Pictured above: Despite scoring 15 goals this season, many fans have been frustrated with Kai Havertz’s finishing

Arsenal’s struggles in the transfer market came against a backdrop of limited finances and the club’s prioritisation of long-term targets.  As Arteta explained “Financially there is a lot of ways, a lot of things that we must stay in the lane that has taken us this far and from there try to improve”.

Given the financial constraints, Arsenal decided not to pursue an interim deal, where a less expensive striker was brought in to provide injury cover. Whilst a cheaper signing could have bolstered Arsenal’s attack this season, it would have inevitably impacted the budget come summer.

Long-term targets take priority

Arteta’s comments following the transfer window made it clear that Arsenal’s focus had been on long-term signings in January, as he stated “we are very aware that we only want to bring certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that as well”.

To that end, Arsenal attempted to sign Ollie Watkins for a reported £60m, but a deal quickly became untenable with Jhon Durán’s departure to Al-Nassr.

Aside from the Watkins swoop, Arsenal faced a tough challenge if they were to make any inroads with their long-term targets.  The winter transfer market is notoriously difficult, as clubs are reluctant to sell their best players in the midst of Champions League and domestic pushes.

Combined with the fact that Arsenal’s rumoured long-term target list already consisted in a very small pool of players (Isak, Šeško and Nico Williams being three of the most widely touted) a winter signing was unlikely.

Arsenal did consider a loan move. Tel, Rashford and Morata were all reportedly discussed as options. However, the feeling seems to have been that these players would not significantly improve the squad. With Nwaneri chipping in with goals and Saka closing in on a return, the preference was to concentrate on current players.

Risky tactic or savvy business

Arsenal’s focus on the long-term could pay dividends come summer, if they are able to land one of the select group of players who Arteta believes will take them to the next level.

However, Arsenal are without a recognised striker should Havertz get injured (although Trossard and Sterling have filled in this role before). With Havertz struggling for form up front and Martinelli now adding to Arsenal’s increasingly lengthy injury list, the remainder of the season could prove an up-hill battle for Arsenal’s attack.