Arsenal fans sat back and watched on as Newcastle United signed Bruno Guimaraes in the January window despite the Gunners’ obvious needs to strengthen and upgrade on their current options in midfield.
Arsenal have struggled with their strength in depth this season in the middle third. With the African Cup of Nations claiming Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny, plus suspensions in January for Granit Xhaka and the aforementioned Ghanaian, Sambi Lokonga was heavily relied upon.
The loaning of Ainsley Maitland-Niles was regrettable, and the Gunners exited both domestic cup competitions with the reasoning behind it attributed to the thinness in midfield.
Fans were left asking the question why Arsenal decided not to strengthen with Bruno Guimaraes who has proven to be an excellent progressive passer and an industrious figure in the middle of the park.
The month began with Xhaka giving away a clumsy penalty against Manchester City, ultimately costing Arsenal the match. It ended with both Xhaka and Partey suspended for a must-win home game with Burnley that ended in a drab 0-0 draw.
However, Arsenal supporters have already been given their answer regarding the reasoning behind not upgrading on the starting options.
Speaking after the close of the summer transfer window, technical director Edu explained why Sambi Lokonga was brought in and not a player to compete with Xhaka and Partey for a starting spot. Giving insight into the repeat of the decision this winter.
"Again, we need a foundation. We need players to play and then we need players to cover the first XI," Edu told Sky Sports in the summer.
"Now let's put it into context. For example, in the midfield, you have Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey. So, for me and for Mikel it doesn't make sense to sign another player to be on top of them if they are the ones that are going to be playing.
"That's why we chose Albert Sambi Lokonga to help them."
The reasoning that Edu provides presents fans with only more frustration. Xhaka, despite the qualities he does have, would be unlikely to get into any of the starting elevens of Arsenal’s top-four rivals. Guimaraes, however, would have a strong chance.
If the Gunners want to close the gap and reach the top four, they need to target players who improve them and close the gap to those other sides.
Refraining from bringing in a player like Guimaraes because of the presence of Xhaka is a concerning conclusion to come to.
There remain links with Roma that Xhaka could yet leave. However, it shouldn’t take his departure for the club to recognise the need to level up on the Swiss man, but worryingly it appears this is what it will require.
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