In the early days of January, Mikel Arteta hinted that Arsenal might refrain from delving into the transfer market, citing concerns about Premier League spending regulations, possibly influenced by Everton’s ten-point penalty in November.
Despite Arteta’s initial reluctance, it becomes apparent that Arsenal is in dire need of a player endowed with goal-creating abilities, given the struggles faced by Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus in that department. Securing a new attacker could substantially enhance Arsenal’s prospects of contending for the title this season.
One name under consideration is Karim Benzema, particularly in the midst of swirling rumors about potential issues in Saudi Arabia. However, apprehensions arise concerning Benzema’s age, being 36, his substantial wages, and the compatibility of his playing style with Arsenal. Despite Benzema expressing commitment to his current team, Arteta and Edu find themselves grappling with the delicate task of making decisions that won’t alienate the fanbase.
The possibility of potential departures, including Emile Smith Rowe, who experiences limited playing time, looms on the horizon. Offloading academy players is perceived as a strategic move to address Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints. While Bukayo Saka is deemed indispensable, considering selling popular figures like Nketiah and Reiss Nelson might stir discontent among the fanbase.
Some fans advocate selling Nketiah to generate funds for other strikers like Ivan Toney, Alexander Isak, or Ollie Watkins. However, opting for Benzema introduces significant implications, potentially conflicting with Arteta’s player selection philosophy, especially given the financial constraints imposed by FFP regulations.
Choosing Benzema may necessitate tough decisions that could potentially exacerbate existing problems rather than resolve them. Arteta might lean towards abstaining from new player acquisitions, aligning with the belief that Arsenal won’t make any moves during the January transfer window.
Navigating the delicate balance between fortifying the squad’s capabilities and adhering to financial and fan-related considerations poses an ongoing challenge for Arsenal’s management during this transfer window.