Arsenal reportedly looked at AC Milan striker Alvaro Morata and Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel as possible forward options, but didn’t think either would provide the impact that Mikel Arteta was looking for to boost their titles hopes
Arsenal eyed up four forward players in the January transfer window but opted not to bring one in after a lack of quality options, while also being wary of signing another struggling star like Raheem Sterling.
The Gunners were linked with a number of forward players last month as they sought cover for the injured Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus – and put in a late £40m bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins that was swiftly rejected by Unai Emery’s side.
Red Bull Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko was another big names on their list but it became evident that neither club would sell their star strikers midway through the season.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal looked at AC Milan striker Alvaro Morata and Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel as alternatives, but didn’t think either would provide the impact that Mikel Arteta was looking for to boost their titles hopes.
Tel ended up joining Arsenal’s bitter rivals Tottenham and there may be frustration the club didn’t move for a back-up option after seeing Gabriel Martinelli hobble off injured in the club’s Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Newcastle on Wednesday night.
The report claims Arsenal’s stance was that the top players they wanted weren’t for, with clubs demanding too much money, while any other targets would have only joined for the sake of adding depth over quality.
It says Arsenal’s interim sporting director Jason Ayto, acting for the Gunners after Edu’s departure last year, has led to a more cautious approach – especially after the unsuccessful loan spell of Sterling.
The arrival of the winger on loan from Chelsea was widely celebrated among the Arsenal fanbase but the England international has failed to deliver, assisting once in just three Premier League starts and another three appearances off the bench.
Sterling has been given further opportunities in cup competitions but hasn’t given Arteta much evidence he can contribute to the first team, aside from a couple of decent cameos in the Carabao Cup.
While the club made a unanimous decision to not sign a new forward, boss Arteta could not hide his disappointment when quizzed about the club’s lack of activity.
“We had a clear intention which is always there is a window open to explore the opportunities to improve our squad with players that can impact it,” Arteta said.
“We haven’t achieved it so we are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that and I think we will.”
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