Mikel Arteta has been handed another Arsenal injury blow with Gabriel Martinelli set for a spell on the sidelines. Despite both Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka picking up long-term injuries, the Gunners did not welcome any new signings in the January transfer window.
There was interest in both Ollie Watkins and Mathys Tel, among others, though the latter ended up joining Tottenham. Watkins, meanwhile, who was the subject of a January bid from Emirates Stadium, remained at Aston Villa after Jhon Duran was sold to Al-Nassr.
Attention will now seemingly turn to the summer window, with a huge one expected in north London. However, signing players may not be the only task, with a fresh update on Real Madrid’s pursuit of William Saliba coming to light.
The Gunners could also revisit a deal for one player they were said to have bid for during the winter window, but not Watkins. With that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours.
Saliba to Madrid update
TBR Football have claimed that Madrid are prepared to make Saliba the most expensive defender in football history. The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Los Blancos for some time, and their ongoing injury crisis at the back means it is very likely they will pursue a deal.
football.london says: If Madrid do come in with a sizeable offer, it may be worth Arsenal actually considering accepting it.
Yes, it was just one game, but Saliba looked a shadow of himself up against Alexander Isak on Wednesday. Gabriel Magalhaes has also proven this season that he is on the level of Saliba, if not above, with his clutch performances at both ends of the pitch.
It is also plausible he is keen on the move if another season goes by without a trophy while Madrid continue winning silverware.
January bid for Torres rejected
As per Spanish outlet El Nacional, Barcelona rejected a £16.7million (€20m) for Ferran Torres from Arsenal in January, while approaches from Napoli, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan were also turned down.
The former Manchester City man has struggled for consistent minutes due to injury while also having to compete with Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal for a spot in the starting XI.
football.london says: Torres was hardly a world-beater during his brief spell in the Premier League at Etihad Stadium, but he would have immediately improved Arteta’s attacking options.
The Spaniard has been linked with a move to Arsenal before, and it is clear to see why, given his versatility. Like Watkins, it is unlikely to be a deal they return for in the summer, perhaps seen as a unique market opportunity, but one that Barcelona clearly had no interest in sanctioning.
In hindsight, maybe Arsenal would have tried a little bit harder to get a deal over the line with Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling as Arteta’s options for the front three in February.
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