Inside Arsenal’s unexpectedly bullish Deadline Day: Sandro Tonali, Leon Goretzka and agent talks
Walking out of Mikel Arteta’s press conference on deadline day, you could have been forgiven for thinking Arsenal had a transfer trick up their sleeve.
In the days leading up to the end of the January window, the Gunners were expected to make no push for business.
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Arsenal’s job had been done this summer and, even with Ethan Nwaneri’s loan to Marseille, it felt like the team was in good shape.
That calculation was called into question when news broke Sunday night that Mikel Merino required surgery following a foot injury. The Spaniard is in the race to return before the end of the season.
It was understood at that point that Arsenal might be tempted by a loan signing on deadline day, but only one they believed was necessarily of quality to immediately improve the squad.
Finding a player of this caliber, at the right price, and closing a deal in a short period of time has always seemed like a difficult task. However, Arteta’s comments were surprisingly optimistic.
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Asked if Merino’s injury had changed Arsenal’s thinking in the market, he replied: “Of course.
Arsenal have lost Mikel Merino to injury (Getty Images)
“I mean, when you lose a great player like that in the team with four months to go and all the competitions to play for, you have to look and we have to do everything we can to see if we have a player available.”
Arteta said Arsenal were “actively looking” to strengthen and was also firm when asked if he would be relaxed about not signing anyone.
“I wouldn’t say relaxed,” he said.
“I think we’re there, and it’s our responsibility, when we’re playing for what we’re playing for, to give ourselves the best opportunity and the best chance to look at the market, all the options, evaluate them, and then decide if we do something.”
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It turned out that everything was calm on the first team side.
The day started with shocking rumors regarding a Sandro Tonali transfer, although these were dismissed by Newcastle as “complete rubbish”.
Arsenal were linked with a shock move for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali (Getty Images)
Arsenal are not believed to have had direct discussions with the Magpies and the story was perhaps more interesting in terms of what this could mean for the summer, with Tonali’s representatives potentially considering options elsewhere.
There was also speculation that Arsenal had carried out a late investigation into Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka.
The midfielder is leaving Bayern at the end of the season so his agent is working to find a new club for the 30-year-old, but there has been no serious approach from Arsenal.
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While the Gunners were generally open throughout the day to responding to market opportunities and calls were made to explore situations, there was no desire to add a body to the squad just for short-term cover.
Arsenal are confident their team is strong enough to continue competing on all four fronts.
Arsenal still have the option to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who trained with the Under-21s. He is a free agent so a deal can be done beyond the deadline window, although Arsenal are currently not planning to do so.
There was speculation that Arsenal had made a late decision to sign Leon Goretzka (Getty Images)
The focus of Deadline Day was more on the academy, with the club continuing its efforts to strengthen at youth level.
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The Gunners have held talks with Hearts over the transfer of 18-year-old striker James Wilson, who has started just once in the Scottish Premiership this season.
Arsenal considered loaning Wilson until the end of the season to play effectively in Premier League 2 on a trial basis, before making a decision on a permanent move this summer.
However, it was not a deal Arsenal were pushing for and Wilson was one of several players being looked at. On Sunday, the Gunners decided not to continue down this path, which left Tottenham free to conclude a loan agreement with an option to buy.
Arsenal still got two deals over the line. Defender Jaden Dixon, a friend of Arsenal star Max Dowman, has been signed from Stoke.
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Initial reports suggested a fee in excess of £3million, but it is understood the value of the deal is £500,000 plus add-ons.
Arsenal also signed striker Evan Mooney from St Mirren for an initial fee of £400,000.
While the 18-year-old has played for St Mirren’s first team, like Dixon he is expected to get involved with Arsenal’s U-21s.