Arsenal: 3 explanations for January transfer firesale

Arsenal are tackling the January transfer window in a way many expected, although to an extreme level few could have predicted.

Moving players on was key. The squad is full of individuals who are no longer part of the current project. Passengers who had overstayed their welcome.

With there literally being only 17 matches left in the season the opportunity to trim the squad became more inviting, although to have allowed this volume of players to depart without any replacements coming in is startling.

There is still time to amend that.

Arsenal: 3 explanations for January transfer firesale as Mikel Arteta & Edu sanction multiple player sales without any new signings

As witnessed with numerous deals this month, the mantra of expecting the unexpected rings true. Deals are worked on in stuffy rooms under the cover of darkness, or sometimes on yachts alongside super agents. There are always surprises.

However, the points remains that, as it stands, Arsenal have allowed Calum Chambers, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Sead Kolasinac, Folarin Balogun and Pablo Mari to leave the club in some capacity without shaking hands with a new face on their way out.

Additionally, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is attracting serious interest from Juventus and Barcelona, two clubs attempting to sign him on loan, while Eddie Nketiah looks set to move to Newcastle.

If the squad was depleted beforehand, it will be diminished by the end. But why, though? This is the approach being taken, and if we’re delving into the reasons why that may be, three explanations come up.

1. Arsenal Are Going to Sign Players Before the Deadline

One of the more obvious explanations for the current firesale is that replacements will be signed before the deadline. Problem solved.

In the case of some positions, namely centre-forward, it is utter insanity to head into the final furlong of the season believing that two-goals-from-open-play Alexandre Lacazette is going to fire you into the top four and play 90 minutes every single game.

That is not to detract from the positive impact he’s had on the team since Aubameyang’s banishment, as not only has he provided a key connective piece in the central axis, he’s also been a model professional and captain. Take away his lack of goals and he’s someone as a supporter you can feel proud to wear the armband.

He’s also incapable of completing matches with regularity. Therefore, La Liga headquarters might be receiving a last minute wad of cash to the tune of £76m their way.

While defenders have not been on the agenda this window, there are only three centre-backs on the books now. If Gabriel gets injured there is only Rob Holding to fill in at left centre-back without having to put one Cedric Soares in the team. Might the club invest there at the last minute?

Midfield, too, could be set for reinforcing. With four central midfielders on the books and the club clearly wanting to add a more technical body in there with the pursuit of Arthur, another late arrival could be on the cards.

As far as explanations go, it’s the one most supporters are hanging their hat on.

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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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3. Arsenal Are Transitioning Into a Full-Time Sportswear Brand

Let’s lighten the mood.

Perhaps this is all a cunning ploy. The end of a long-running cycle that has been part of KSE’s masterplan from Day 1.

No club drops as much new clothing merch as Arsenal. Why? Why do they specifically have the most eclectic range of training gear, one for every day of the week depending when Arsenal play, with the figure often trumping the number of wins the actual team has?

This year, for example, there have been more new lines of clothing released than there are goals scored by Arsenal. And, to adidas’ credit, they release some pretty exceptional stuff. Wavy designs and innovative ideas alongside the ever irresistible retro shirts that crop up every fortnight.

Maybe they’ve noticed that the attire is better than the football? Why waste millions on players when you can earn millions on clothing sales? That’s it. Perhaps this incredible transfer firesale is a plan to fold the club, liquidate the assets and become a full-time sportswear brand under adidas’ wing.

Yeah, it’s definitely that.