The January transfer window has been a mixed bag for Arsenal supporters over the years. With major acquisitions arriving in the form of Jose Antonio Reyes and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to some signings who barely stepped onto the field like Kim Kallstrom and Denis Suarez, costing them the needed boost in either title races or the push for Champions League qualification.
With the improvement in recruitment across the past two summer windows, Arsenal have seen a rise in their side’s output. Translating into a top-four chase this season. Technical Director Edu has headed up the department and, working with manager Mikel Arteta, brought in plenty of first-team additions.
Yet this winter has seen some players linked with the club which raise concerns that the mistakes of the past could re-emerge and threaten to derail their hopes for the season.
Renato Sanches has been touted as a possible target for the Gunners this winter.
Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Fabrizio Romano outlined the clear interest that Arsenal have in the Portugal and Lille midfielder.
“Arsenal have had this boy on their list for a long time. I’m told he’s still a player that Arsenal like. He was on the list alongside Houssem Aouar. Let’s see if Arsenal decide to jump at this opportunity," explained Romano.
“There’s nothing advanced. There is a lot of interest and I expect him to leave Lille.”
Valued at £27m according to Transfermarkt, Arsenal would need to invest significantly to secure the services of the midfielder.
However, the former Bayern Munich man has suffered with a significant number of injuries causing him to miss a grand total of 69 matches despite being just 24.
The nature of these injuries is caused by the recurrence of muscular issues. Arsenal would be signing a talented player without a doubt. However, what else is not in question is Sanches spending time on the Gunners' medical table.
Kallstrom arrived with a back injury and the club were fortunate his signature was purely temporary. A permanent deal for Sanches could be a heavy investment that risks little return.
The Gunners appeared to have moved on from the transfer errors which have culminated in their regression to fall out of Europe entirely.
It might be slightly hyperbolic to suggest that Sanches could undo all that work, in fact, it would be exaggerative. However, the point stands that Arsenal need to continue to make good decisions on a consistent basis in the market.
There remain other midfielders the club could look to bring in, even on a temporary basis. The Arsenal Way recently compiled a list of loan options. These would be low risk, given their short-term length, and would allow the club to look at further permanent options for the position in the summer.
Edu’s good work should be enough for most to put faith in him to make the right decisions this winter. Fingers are crossed that the transfers, should there be any at all, are the right ones.
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