Arsenal’s January Transfer Frustrations: The 5 Big Misses

The January transfer window is a crucial period for football clubs, providing an opportunity to strengthen their squads and fill any gaps.

Arsenal, aiming to enhance their lineup, entered the window with optimism and clear goals. The club carefully pinpointed several key players who could improve their chances of success in both the Premier League and other competitions.

Fans were excited and eagerly anticipated news of potential signings that could make a significant impact. However, the transfer market can be a complicated and unpredictable landscape.

Despite Arsenal’s diligent efforts, a number of challenges arose, hindering their ability to secure their desired targets.

The club encountered fierce competition, inflated valuations, and players’ commitments to their current teams, all of which made finalizing deals difficult.

In this article, we will examine the stories of five high-profile players that Arsenal sought to sign but ultimately missed out on.

We’ll discuss the reasons behind these transfer setbacks. Let’s take a closer look at these players and the factors that obstructed Arsenal’s ambitions in the January transfer window.

1. Ollie Watkins

Arsenal’s attempt to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa in January transfer window faced several hurdles. Despite making a bid in the final week of the transfer window, the deal didn’t materialize due to a combination of factors.

Villa’s high valuation of Watkins, set at over £80 million, was a significant barrier. The club was adamant about not selling their prized asset mid-season, especially given Watkins’ importance to their campaign.

According to GiveMeSport, another crucial factor was the sale of Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabia. Villa made it clear from the start that they would not allow both Duran and Watkins to leave in January, which complicated Arsenal’s negotiations.

Watkins himself was also a key reason the deal fell through. As a boyhood Arsenal fan, he was keen on the move, but Villa’s stance and his own commitment to the club made it difficult to finalize the transfer.

2. Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal faced several challenges in their attempt to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in January transfer window.

Despite their strong interest, the transfer did not materialize due to a combination of factors. A key issue was Real Sociedad’s unwavering decision to keep Zubimendi during the season, as they aimed for a solid finish in La Liga.

Another significant obstacle was Zubimendi’s release clause, which was set at €60 million. Although Arsenal was willing to meet this financial demand, their cautious approach to spending in the January transfer window affected the negotiations.

Additionally, Zubimendi’s loyalty to his hometown club made the idea of leaving particularly difficult, according to FootballTransfers.

He had previously rejected offers from both Liverpool and Arsenal in the summer, choosing to remain with Real Sociedad.

Read More: Chelsea’s January Transfer Window: 5 Deals That Didn’t Materialize

3. Alexander Isak

Arsenal’s efforts to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United in January transfer window encountered several obstacles.

Despite their keen interest, the deal didn’t come to fruition due to multiple factors. One of the main reasons was Newcastle’s firm stance on not selling Isak mid-season.

The club was determined to retain their star striker as they aimed for a strong finish in the Premier League and a potential Champions League qualification.

Another significant hurdle was the high valuation placed on Isak by Newcastle, estimated at around £150 million, according to Daily Telegraph.

This fee was beyond Arsenal’s budget for the January window, especially considering the financial constraints and the club’s cautious approach to spending.

Additionally, Isak’s recent comments about being happy and settled at Newcastle further dampened Arsenal’s prospects.

He expressed his contentment with the club and his desire to stay, making it clear that he wasn’t considering a move in January.

4. Benjamin Sesko

Arsenal’s attempt to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in January transfer window was indeed unsuccessful. The main reason was that RB Leipzig was not willing to sell Sesko mid-season.

The club wanted to keep him to help secure a strong finish in the Bundesliga and potentially qualify for the Champions League.

Additionally, Sesko’s contract with RB Leipzig runs until 2027, and there was no release clause that Arsenal could activate during the January transfer window.

Despite these challenges, Arsenal remains interested in Sesko and is expected to make another attempt to sign him during the summer transfer window.

Sesko has expressed his admiration for Arsenal and is open to the possibility of joining the club in the future.

Read More: Bundesliga’s Rising Stars: Top 10 Exciting Young Strikers

5. Alvaro Morata

Arsenal’s attempt to sign Alvaro Morata from AC Milan in January transfer window was unsuccessful due to several reasons.

Despite their interest in the experienced striker, Arsenal faced competition from Galatasaray, who made a more decisive move. Galatasaray secured a loan deal for Morata, which included an option to buy.

Arsenal’s hesitation and cautious approach to spending also played a role in missing out on Morata.

Additionally, there were doubts within Arsenal’s coaching staff about Morata’s fit with the team’s playing style, according to The Independent.

The Gunners were keen on adding Morata to their squad, especially with Gabriel Jesus injured at the time.

However, Galatasaray’s emphatic pursuit and quick decision-making meant they were able to secure the deal.

Arsenal’s reluctance to make a swift decision and their preference to evaluate the situation further contributed to their failure to sign Morata