David Ornstein provides concerning update on Arsenal's transfer plans

Reputable journalist David Ornstein has provided a January transfer update no Arsenal supporter wanted to hear.

The fanbase is clamouring for a busy winter with the Gunners stuttering through the 2024/25 season. While Arsenal are second in the Premier League and in a strong position to automatically progress to the last 16 of the Champions League, there's no denying that the campaign has been underwhelming.

There was an expectation that Mikel Arteta's side would assert their dominance at the top of the domestic table after back-to-back second-place finishes, but Arsenal are currently comfortably trailing Liverpool at the summit. Their inability to turn draws into wins has proven costly, with Bukayo Saka's hamstring tear having the potential to facilitate collapse this term.

Many were keen for the club to be active in January even before Saka succumbed, and it was thought that the conduction of business this month would be inevitable after the extent of the winger's injury was revealed. However, it seems as if Arsenal are happy to bide their time.

David Ornstein suggests Arsenal will not be busy in January transfer window

Tuesday night's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle, during which Arsenal created almost four expected goals, was a bleak night for Arteta. Their Carabao Cup hopes are now all but gone, and the Gunners have a mountain to climb if they're not to endure yet another trophy-less season under the Spaniard.

Alexander Isak's match-winning performance at the Emirates depicted exactly what Arsenal are currently missing and the level of forward they need to acquire. However, players of Isak's ilk don't grow on trees and clubs aren't willing to part ways with assets so prized midway through the season.

As a result, Ornstein believes the Gunners won't panic this January despite their obvious needs. This is what he said on the latest The Athletic FC podcast:

""I think by in large that they are going to go with what they have got which, again, will not be music to the ears of many fans who are baying for signings as Arsenal look to compete for a trophy that many feel Arteta's needs to deliver.""

David Ornstein

On one hand, I understand why Arsenal wouldn't want to panic-buy, but given their injury absences and what they've produced in the final third of the pitch for much of 2024/25, their failure to acquire at least one forward/winger in the transfer window surely has to be deemed gross negligence from the top down.

Perhaps Arteta's utopian targets won't be attainable this month, but Arsenal currently don't need utopia. They require a refresh. The 2024 summer transfer window looks worse with each passing game.

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