EPL 2016/17: Arsenal not planning any first team transfers in January transfer window

Arsene Wenger has no intentions of dipping into the transfer market

The run of splendid form this season for the Gunners has led to Arsene Wenger declaring that he doesn’t intend to make any new additions to the Arsenal squad in the upcoming January transfer window. 

In spite of injuries to key personnel such as Santi Cazorla, Hector Bellerin and Mathieu Debuchy, the Frenchman believes that the squad is well equipped to meet the rigours of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup over the remaining part of the season. Wenger has never known to be a thrifty manager and he intends to maintain that character as he has reiterated that he will not dip into the January transfer market despite the number of injuries that continues to ail the squad.  

The news may be of worry to the Gunners supporters as title rivals Manchester City and Chelsea are sure to explore their options in the January window. And it wouldn’t be a surprise if they strengthened their squads over the duration of the transfer window. The Gunners spent a total of £100m on Xhaka, Perez, Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding in the summer and Arsene Wenger isn’t keen to go on another spending spree until and unless the situation demands.

Commanding display in the London derby

The Gunners put in a commanding performance against their London rivals, West Ham United as they trounced Slaven Bilic’s side 5-1 at the weekend. The Frenchman believes that in spite of the continued absence of Santi Cazorla, the team has enough architects in the team who can hold the team together and compliment a challenge across all competitions.

Alexis Sanchez led from the front on the day and he was instrumental in 4 of the 5 goals that helped Arsenal stretch their unbeaten record in the League since their opening day defeat against Liverpool. The Chilean helped himself to a hat-trick as the Gunners waltzed to a comfortable victory.

Wenger will also have Danny Welbeck back among his attacking options early in the New Year as the English international recovers from the knee injury that has curtailed his participation since the month of May. Although Perez was purchased in the summer as attacking cover, he has failed to hold down a place in the senior team and this has been a cause of concern. However, Arsene seems to have faith in the Spaniard and this maybe one of the reasons why Arsene may choose not bolster his squad.

Hector Bellerin, the full-back who injured his ankle, is also in contention for a return to the senior team for the Boxing Day clash against West Bromwich Albion.