On the one hand. it’s job done for Arsenal: they needed a new left-sided centre back, a new central midfielder and a new winger. And at the end of this window, Mikel Arteta has secured all three.
On the other hand: what could have been? And what might this mean? For their title charge, their transfer policy and the mood of fans. No one will dispute that Arsenal’s squad is stronger than this time last month.
Leandro Trossard, who cost £21million from Brighton , offers versatility and depth to their forward line. Jakub Kiwior, signed for an initial £17.5m, provides much-needed competition and cover for Gabriel Magalhaes.
Jorginho could prove an inspired signing for Arsenal after arriving for a bargain price of £10m
The Gunners are signing a fine passer and someone who has a pedigree for winning trophies
And then Jorginho. Even at 31, with only five months left on his Chelsea contract, he could prove an inspired addition: an experienced trophy winner, a gifted midfielder who has long been a target for Arteta. All for only £10m up front. So why aren’t supporters seeing it that way?
Social media, that haven of nuance and considered reflection, was awash with frustration. Sporting director Edu was accused by one supporter of ‘sabotaging’ the club’s hopes of winning the Premier League. Measured, as ever.
And yet, should Arsenal fail to hold off Manchester City, be in no doubt: January will be held up a crucial reason why. Not because of who Arsenal signed. But because of who they didn’t.
Arteta’s top target was Mykhailo Mudryk. A deal was close, Mudryk had made plain his desire to join, only for Chelsea to snatch the winger. And then, in recent days, Arsenal moved for Moises Caicedo, Brighton’s outstanding midfielder.
They were told the 21-year-old was not for sale. Bids of £60m and up to £70m were turned down; it was thought £80m might tempt Brighton. Instead Arsenal turned to Jorginho.
Mikel Arteta will be disappointed to have missed out on key targets like Mykhailo Mudryk
And so, for the sake of £10-15m, Arsenal missed out on two key targets. They walked away from a possible deal for Joao Felix, too, after seeing the loan fee.
Having opened up this chance to win the title, it appears an almighty gamble. Particularly after Mudryk’s frightening Chelsea debut.
Particularly when Arsenal remain vulnerable to an injury to Thomas Partey and supporters remain scarred by the struggles of another ageing arrival from Chelsea:…