Arsenal: 3 explanations for January transfer firesale

2. Arsenal Believe the Squad Can Handle it

One possibility most won’t want to hear.

Something that needs continuous mentioning is that Arsenal got themselves into a position where top four is well within their grasp with the squad they have. Even with carrying Aubameyang for a while, losing those opening three matches and needing time for their summer arrivals to gel, they enter the final 17 games well in the hunt.

With more matches as a collective, Arsenal should keep improving. That’s not theoretical, that’s fact.

In terms of those who’ve departed, only one has made any meaningful contribution this term in Maitland-Niles, and his time in the team was solely down to Granit Xhaka being out with injury. Since the Swiss returned he lost his place.

Therefore, even with the notion of ‘depth’ being completely tossed aside, the starting XI hasn’t changed. It’s the same starting XI that got Arsenal to where they are now. What has changed is their options off the bench, and the level of risk being heightened if one or more key members of that team were to get injured or otherwise.

If Arsenal do not sign anyone – even though Arteta has repeatedly stated that he wants to – then they will have done so believing that what they’re left with is capable of securing a top four finish anyway. Nicolas Pepe is certainly in line for more minutes. That’s for sure.

Is that strategy wise? Well, nobody knows. And the answer will only become clear if said starting XI can stay fit for the rest of the season. If they can, and the Benjamin White’s and Thomas Partey’s of the group can plug away for 90 minutes once a week which they should be more than capable of, then there is no reason Arsenal can’t keep pushing for the Premier League top four.

Going down this route leaves a lot to chance, though. A lot.

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