Has Arsenal’s Transfer Window Inactivity Cost Them a Chance at the Premier League Title?

Arsenal’s failure to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window has left many wondering if the Gunners have squandered their best chance at winning the Premier League title. After two heartbreaking seasons where they fell just short, this campaign felt like Arsenal’s golden opportunity.

Manchester City, their primary rivals over the past two years, are in the midst of a much-needed rebuild and, for once, aren’t in the title race. Yet, instead of capitalizing on this rare opening, Arsenal’s inactivity in the transfer market might have just cost them everything. Injuries have been a recurring theme for Mikel Arteta’s side this season. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Martin Ødegaard – three of Arsenal’s most influential players – have all missed significant chunks of the campaign.  

Despite this, Arsenal never came close to signing an attacking player in January. Yes, they did submit a £60 million bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but let’s be honest – that was more in hope than expectation. With less than a week remaining in the window and Villa already agreeing to sell Jhon Durán to Al Nassr for €77 million, there was no realistic chance they would part with their star striker. Watkins, a self-confessed Arsenal fan, may have been open to the move, but it was never going to happen this season. 

This lack of planning in the transfer market wasn’t just unfortunate; it was a massive oversight. Arsenal’s squad depth, particularly in attack, has been severely exposed. Arteta now finds himself with just three fit attackers – Raheem Sterling, Ethan Nwaneri, and Leandro Trossard. While all three are talented, it’s hardly the firepower needed to mount a serious title challenge. And let’s not forget, the Gunners are still fighting on two fronts, with both the Premier League and Champions League in their sights. But with such a thin squad, their hopes of winning either competition are quickly fading. 

Part of Arsenal’s struggles in the transfer market can be attributed to the mid-season departure of sporting director Edu Gasper. Having been with the club since 2019, Edu played a crucial role in reshaping Arsenal’s squad and recruitment strategy. His exit at such a critical juncture undoubtedly disrupted the club’s plans and left Arteta without the reinforcements he so desperately needed. In a title race as competitive as this one, such missteps can be the difference between glory and heartbreak. 

As things stand, Arsenal are seven points behind league leaders Liverpool after 24 games. With Arne Slot’s side showing no signs of slowing down and Manchester City likely to bounce back strongly next season, this might have been Arsenal’s best shot at the title for the foreseeable future. The Gunners are already out of the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, and with their current injury crisis, it’s hard to see them making a deep run in the Champions League, let alone challenging Liverpool for the league title. 

What makes this all the more frustrating for Arsenal fans is that the writing was on the wall. The injuries to key players were well-documented, and the need for reinforcements was glaringly obvious. Yet, the club failed to act decisively. Now, as the season heads into its final stretch, Arsenal find themselves in a familiar position – playing catch-up in the title race with a squad that’s running on fumes. For a club that has made significant strides under Arteta, this feels like a missed opportunity of massive proportions. The disappointment is palpable, not just because of the current injury crisis, but because this was supposed to be the season Arsenal finally ended their long wait for a league title. Instead, their inactivity in the transfer market might have just ensured that wait continues. 

Also Read: Arsenal’s Kai Havertz Sidelined for Rest of the Season Due to Hamstring Injury