Arsenal are yet to make any moves on the incomings front in the January transfer window.
Earlier in the window, Unai Emery told the media that he is only able to make loan signings in January which left many Arsenal fans deliberating over who they could get on a short-term deal.
Indeed, the Gunners did move for Barcelona outcast Denis Suarez on Deadline Day with the Spaniard joining on loan, though it was a fairly quiet way to kick off 2019, compared to last year’s activity.
However, the lack of signings has benefitted other names and with that being said, let’s take a look at the two biggest winners from their transfer window…
Alex Iwobi
It looked as if Arsenal would move for another attacking player despite their defensive woes this season with a potential loan move for Ivan Perisic.
Even with the player handing in a transfer request, Inter Milan’s club director told Sky Sports Italia that: “Perisic has asked to leave but there is no offer for him. We will see in the coming days.”
Given that the Croatian international most prominently features on the left-wing, that would mean Iwobi was to feature significantly less, a player who has mightily improved under Emery, and his development would therefore suffer as a result.
So, with Perisic not joining and Suarez more of a central operator, Iwobi will be happy.
Shkodran Mustafi
Despite Arsenal’s defensive struggles, Mustafi, up until his injury, had been a key part of Arsenal’s backline, starting all of the first 16 Premier League games.
Since the injury, he has either been benched or substituted early on in the League, likely to be out of precaution for his injury.
Had another centre-back been brought in, Mustafi would not be getting as much game time as he has given Sokratis’ rather impressive performances and that Laurent Koscielny has just returned from injury.
However, as no one has been brought in, he will surely be contending for a starting role in a four-at-the-back system, or starting in a three, so his opportunities will benefit from the lack of investment at the back.
