David Ornstein of the Athletic has told the club’s supporters via his latest Q&A session that “despite Arsenal’s defensive troubles, I still don’t sense a centre-back will be recruited in January given the numbers they already have and the arrival of Saliba next summer.”
How have the fans reacted to this latest update? Well, these supporters didn’t take to the news too well.
— Pépé is a (@NotYourWinger) November 18, 2019
I’m done with this club.
— Stewart (@StewpendousSZN) November 18, 2019
But none are any good ??
— Fuad (@Fuadnehemen) November 18, 2019
Pretty clear by now that a new CB is not going to do too much to sort out our issues. A good manager would do wonders with the players we already have. That being said, I would obviously welcome any addition that might improve us
— Mads Lindeland (@MadsLindeland) November 18, 2019
So you telling me that a 18 year is going to be our Vand Dijk. He need someone to guide him that isn’t a clown.
— everything_arsenal (@everythingarse4) November 18, 2019
— Cole (@AlexOvechking) November 18, 2019
What do we think?
Arsenal’s defensive fragilities aren’t simply down to personnel, the issues are tactical and far deeper running. It would be irresponsible for the club to talk publicly about any January transfer targets and completely out of character so it makes sense to approach such reports with caution.
The next month is said to be key in regards to Unai Emery’s future and perhaps the club are unsure as to whether they will back the Spaniard in the upcoming window. Arsenal have a run of fixtures on the horizon that appears somewhat favourable on paper; a real opportunity for Emery to steer the ship back on course but equally a run in which if he fails to improve things could see him fired.
With the transfer window fast approaching there will be a number of contrasting reports floating around all of which should be taken with a pinch of salt for the time being at least.