Assessing every move of Arsenal’s January transfer window

Arsenal’s 2023 January transfer window departures

Here’s an assessment of every Arsenal departure in the January window.

Marquinhos (joined Norwich – Loan)

Marquinhos has barely featured since his dream debut away at FC Zurich on Matchday 1 of Arsenal’s Europa League campaign. He’s not yet ready to compete with Bukayo Saka for a spot in Arteta’s full-strength XI, so a loan did make sense.

The Brazilian will don familiar colours at Norwich for the remainder of the season where he’ll be hoping to aid the Canaries’ bid for promotion. The Championship side aren’t blessed with an array of gifted wide options, so Marquinhos could earn his fair share of minutes down the stretch.

On paper, this seems like a smart move, but he has to play.

Grade: B

Cedric Soares (joined Fulham – Loan)

Cedric has been thrust to the backbenches this term and it’s likely that we’ve already seen the last of him in an Arsenal shirt despite only completing a loan move to Fulham on deadline day.

I’m pretty indifferent to this move, to be honest, as Cedric doesn’t have a long-term future at the club. We’ve got enough cover at right-back, and Fulham are covering his wages for the remainder of the season.

Grade: B-

Sambi Lokonga (joined Crystal Palace – Loan)

I’m a big fan of this move. Lokonga, who desperately needed a move of this sort, has the chance to learn from an Arsenal great in Patrick Vieira for the remainder of the season.

The Belgian will likely be utilised as an #8 at Selhurst Park given Cheick Doucoure’s strength at the base of midfield, and this is where his future could lie at the Emirates.

Lokonga has a wealth of young attacking talent to work with at Palace and should he earn regular minutes, he’ll undoubtedly benefit from this loan.

Grade: A-