With one of the toughest fixture schedules Arsenal have faced under Arsène Wenger lying ahead, and the disheartening injury blows suffered by key duo Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey, it was with great surprise that the Premier League leaders failed to make any significant transfers in January.
The somewhat perplexing addition of Kim Källström, who won’t be fit until March following a back complaint endured on Spartak Moscow’s trip to Abu Dhabi, only caused more frustration for gooners. The news that the experienced Sweden international’s parent club will cover his wages until he is fit again did little to cheer up Arsenal fans. Fresh reports on Thursday morning claim the former Lyon midfielder could be out until April – which would make the whole situation even more farcical.
“At 5pm on Friday, it was a case of sign him or sign nobody,” Wenger told the press after the win against Crystal Palace, yet, given the transfer window had been open for four weeks prior to Källström’s arrival – even if Wenger admitted in early January the movement would happen “as usual, in the last three days”- was this really an excuse? Last-minute loan bids for forwards Salomon Kalou (Lille), Papiss Cisse (Newcastle) and Miroslav Klose (Lazio) were all turned down, additionally, it seems the focus on Schalke’s Julian Draxler for the majority of the month was pointless given the Gelsenkirchen side were always unlikely to accept less than £37m for the wonderkid.
The return to fitness of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was outstanding on Sunday, provides Arsenal with a huge boost heading into the final four months of the campaign. The 20-year old’s versatility will come in handy, and it will be intriguing to see where Wenger plays the Englishman against Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime, with Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta fit.
More good news could be arriving soon, too. Per Mertesacker and Tomáš Rosický are set to sign contract extensions, whilst Wenger said this week “we expect” Bacary Sagna to stay. Rosický and Sagna are out of contract at the end of the season, whilst Mertesacker’s deal ends next summer. And of course, Wenger’s own contract – which expires in June – is to be extended by three years, according to reports.
This quartet of new deals can provide the Gunners with an important morale boost going into the run-in. Rosický, Sagna and, in particular, Mertesacker, have enjoyed outstanding seasons, whilst Wenger has demonstrated his clear desire to make Arsenal one of English football’s powerhouses once more.
It’s time to dot the i’s and cross the t’s, guys.
