WINTER WOES
Inside Arsenal’s January transfer plans with defence hit by injuries and Gunners still without a centre-forward
The Gunners board held a high-stakes meeting in the US this week
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ARSENAL are unlikely to be busy in the January transfer window – despite their injury woes so far this season.
Ben White could be out for around six weeks after undergoing a minor procedure on a troublesome knee that has hampered his playing time this term.
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Depending on his recovery, the right-back’s return may be sooner than hoped.
But he remains in a battle to feature over the crucial festive period.
Gunners defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also fighting to be back fully fit before December with knee injuries.
Italian international Calafiori is targeting a comeback in the next few weeks.
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While Japanese full-back Tomiyasu’s timeline remains up in the air after suffering several set-backs following his pre-season knock.
SunSport understands Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal board are currently not targeting recruitments this winter to cope with any further potential absences.
Managing Director Richard Garlick made a routine trip to the United States this week to meet with owner Stan Kroenke and co-chair Josh Kroenke.
The meeting was to plan for next summer’s window – and was held without Sporting Director Edu after his resignation last week.
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Yet the club’s policy remains that January is a reactive window instead of an active one.
Arsenal’s last big splurge in a January window came in the 2022/23 campaign.
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They splashed the cash two years ago on Brighton’s Leandro Trossard, Chelsea’s Jorginho and Spezia’s Jakub Kiwior for around £40m.
Arteta’s injury worries have softened over the past few weeks with skipper Martin Odegaard returning to action.
Mikel Merino [shoulder], Jurrien Timber [knee] and Gabriel [knee] have also proved their fitness.
Arsenal and Edu resignation statement in full
Edu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.
Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.
We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart.
Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.
"Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.
“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.
“Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”
Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.
“Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.
“Change and evolution is a part of our club. We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”
Arsenal made several moves in the summer, including a permanent £27m deal for keeper David Raya after his season-long loan spell from Brentford.
They also signed Calafiori for £42m and spent £32.6m to bring in Merino from Real Sociedad.
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Arsenal ratings v Chelsea
Here's how SunSport's Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:
David Raya - 7
Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto's crisp strike.
Ben White - 5
Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.
William Saliba - 6
Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.
Gabriel Magalhaes - 6
Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.
Jurrien Timber - 6
Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn't able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.
Thomas Partey - 6
Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.
Declan Rice - 6
Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.
Martin Odegaard - 7
Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta's side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli's opener.
Bukayo Saka - 5
Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.
Gabriel Martinelli - 8
Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez's near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.
Kai Havertz - 6
Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head.
Deadline Day loan moves for back-up keeper Neto and Raheem Sterling helped provide competition among the squad.
There were also big sales of academy stars Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham and Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace, as well as keeper Aaron Ramsdale’s switch to Southampton.
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