Arsenal's lack of transfer activity could hand rivals an advantage

In a deep dive interview on Sky's IG Transfer Show, Arsenal insider David Ornstein revealed the Gunners "were never planning to do business this month", bringing disappointment to many fans who fear the current seven point lead over rivals Manchester City will not be enough.

Unsurprisingly, Pep Guardiola's Sky Blues have made ambitious movements in a rather quiet January transfer window for all clubs. Bournemouth's main man, Antoine Semenyo, was signed for a hefty £62.5 million and the much sought after Marc Guehi, who slipped through Liverpool's fingers in the summer window, was also brought in for £20 million.

The acquisition of the former Crystal Palace captain sees a concerted effort to address issues in defence- issues which were laid bare in the Champions League midweek as 27th placed Bodo-Glimt tore through their high-line winning 3-1.

Lack of attacking threat could be Arsenal's undoing

While City's defence has been bolstered, Arsenal maintain a healthy seven point lead, with most injured players coming back to full fitness. However, the Gunner's impotence in front of goal in their lacklustre 0-0 draw to Nottingham Forest highlights potential concerns that could rear their head further down the line.

With starlet Ethan Nwaneri's loan move to Marseille all but confirmed, Arsenal's attacking options are set to decrease during a pivotal moment in the season. Despite Nwaneri's lack of playing time, Arteta could regret sending him on loan, and may miss his unpredictable ingenuity in front of goal, especially considering Odegaard's recent injury record and Eberechi Eze's inconsistent form.

Speaking further on Sky, Ornstein sited that Arsenal 'did everything that they wanted to' during the summer, spending over £250 million, and doubts "whether they ( Arsenal) would have the resources, (and) the capacity, from a squad space, financial salary and PSR perspective" to go big in January.

A massive summer ahead for Arsenal

With incomings this January transfer window looking rather unlikely, the Gunners sporting director, Andrea Berta, will be looking further afield at potential summer signings.

Real Madrid youngster, Victor Valdepeñas continues to be monitored by the club. The 19 year-old defender is highly regarded in the Spanish capital, and it would take a reported fee of £44 million to tear him away from La Casa Blanca.

A shock move for Julian Alvarez wasn't ruled out by David Ornstein who stated " you could see that sort of player coming in to Arsenal". He went on to confirm they "were considering him in the last market", and suggested some outward manoeuvring may leave room for the Argentine striker sensation to come in.

Lastly, Ornstein heavily hinted that Arsenal will be looking to recruit at right-back, saying it has been on their "long-term agenda". Injury troubles have plagued current full-backs Ben White and Jurien Timber, which have left Arsenal short at the back in the past, making the recruitment of more depth likely.

With a large portion of the season left to go, and the April fixture at the Etihad looming in the distance, it looks like Arsenal fans will just have to put their faith in the current squad to see the job through and finally bring the Premier League title home.