Tottenham’s transfer troubles show Arsenal aren’t alone

Arsenal, and Edu in particular, are getting their fair share of criticism this January. Mikel Arteta made it plainly clear that the club were in the market for additions and, as of yet, none of them have been acquired.

It all started with Dusan Vlahovic. Arsenal’s number one target to strengthen at centre-forward was pursued heavily throughout the month. Despite a willingness from Fiorentina’s side, it ultimately came down to the player’s wishes, and his were to stay in Serie A.

One can argue that it took too long for the club to come to the conclusion that this deal wasn’t going to come off. That isn’t to say they threw all their eggs in one basket, however, as such an approach would be nothing short of catastrophic.

Anyhow, one target slipped their grasp. When someone flat out doesn’t want to join it’s an uphill battle.

Tottenham’s transfer troubles show Arsenal aren’t alone although failure to sign any players in January window comes with unbelievable risk

In regards to Arthur, that move has also failed to materialise. On this occasion there was willingness from all parties only for Juventus’ terms to force Arsenal away from the deal. As a short-term, six month, fix it would have bolstered the central midfield. An 18-month loan, however, for a player who evidently isn’t a primary target, put a stop to that.

So it’s clear that Arsenal have struggled. As the clock ticks closer to Monday’s deadline, any moves at this stage were either expertly hidden, lean towards desperation, or are outgoings.

But Arsenal aren’t alone, and the perennial struggles with the January transfer market remain in place. A glance over at Tottenham and their failure to sign three of their targets is evidence of that.

Being gazumped by Liverpool for Luis Diaz, beaten to the punch by Barcelona for Adama Traore, and turned down by Franck Kessie constitutes a wonderfully tough window for Spurs. Top that off with being denied by non-league Ollie Tanner and it heads to a new level.

Instead, Fabio Paratici’s vast network of contacts have taken him to the Juventus substitutes bench. Dejan Kulusevski is an interesting player, but his move to Spurs is far from an ‘opportunity missed’. Rodrigo Bentancur, meanwhile, is exceedingly average. West Ham have struggled to strengthen too, failing with late bids for Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.

Spurs have got deals done this window though, although it’s very clear they weren’t their main priorities. It’s a situation that many clubs in and around Arsenal are dealing with, and the difference is the willingness to drop down the wishlist and pick up the next in line. Arsenal aren’t doing that, as much as they’re being implored to.

None of which excuses Arsenal – at all – it just shows the trials and tribulations faced in January apply to most. Only two of the top eight in the Premier League table have signed players, which was not expected prior to the window opening with a top four place well up for grabs. It will be no coincidence that this is universal.

Arsenal are staring down the barrel of significantly reducing their wage bill at the expense of what may be millions lost out in Champions League revenue. What could be their saving grace, in some desperate way, is that their rivals haven’t truly strengthened either. It’s a paper thin straw to cling on to, admittedly. But being in the same boat is perhaps the most reassuring aspect, if we’re trying to find solace.

You hope so.