Arsenal have improved a fair bit in the past few seasons but many fans here in the Transfer Tavern feel they could be achieving a lot better.
Given the status of the North London giants, it’s difficult to argue with that claim.
The Gunners have endured a difficult last month, losing to Everton and Manchester City whilst struggling to achieve positive results against Bournemouth and Preston.
That said, the fact they fought back from behind against the latter duo means Arsene Wenger’s side deserves credit.
January is usually a difficult month for Arsenal fans, as Wenger has been historically reluctant to splash the cash in the mid-season window, and it seems that trend will continue in the current window- as Arsenal are quiet once again.
Many in the bar are fearful about two main things this month though and they’ve expressed their worries to our landlord.
He sees where they’re coming from and Arsenal fans will definitely not want to see either of these TWO things happen in January.
Contract breakdown
Having agreed deals with a host of players this season, including Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny and Francis Coquelin most recently, Arsene Wenger’s side will now be turning their attention towards star duo Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
The pair are locked in negotiations with Arsenal but have entered the final 18 months of their current deals, raising concerns that the pair could leave.
Whilst that situation will continue for months, a breakdown at this stage could be extremely detrimental to the club and the season.
Miss out on targets
With Arsenal always reluctant to splash the cash in January, there is a danger that rival clubs will move early for one of the Gunners’ targets – which would throw a spanner into the works of plans for the end of the season.
Other clubs do spend money in January and that could be Arsenal’s downfall, as talented youngsters or top-class players could move this month.
Whilst the biggest deals are usually reserved for the summer, it’s a risk Arsenal fans don’t like to endure.
