Arsenal's potential deadline day transfers amid bold Mikel Arteta decision
The January transfer window of 2023 will not go down as a memorable one for Arsenal, with the Gunners unlikely to sign a single soul this month.
In fairness to manager Mikel Arteta, he set the tone early on. Despite the desperate clamour from fans demanding a new striker be signed, the Gunners boss told reporters just seven days into the window that it was unlikely any attacking additions would come in before the end of the month.
Speaking in the aftermath of FA Cup elimination against Liverpool, Arteta explained: "At the moment it does not look realistic. What my job is, and what we have to do is improve our players and try to get better results with the players we have."
That is not to suggest that there won't be activity at the Emirates on the final day of the window, but what little movement there will be is likely to come in the form of outgoings. There are likely to be two exits before the window closes, both at opposite ends of their career.
Cedric Soares is believed to be on the verge of a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray after what has been an underwhelming spell in north London. The right-back initially arrived on loan from Southampton in 2020, before the switch was made permanent later that year.
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With the likes of Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber (once he returns from injury) all options for Arteta at right-back, Cedric has fallen well down the pecking order. He has made just two appearances for the Gunners so far this term, with neither coming in the Premier League.
One 62-minute appearance in a dead-rubber Champions League group game away at PSV Eindhoven and a three-minute cameo off the bench against Brentford in the Carabao Cup are all Cedric has had to work with this season.
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Cedric is expected to leave Arsenal this window (Getty Images)However, Galatasaray still view the Portugal international as a suitable candidate to come and provide competition for their right-back spot. This is not a transfer that NEEDS to be completed on Thursday, given the Turkish deadline isn't until February 9.
With that being said, it would be in the interests of both parties if the move was wrapped up sooner rather than later. Cedric's Gunners contract expires at the end of the season and by shifting him this window Arsenal stand a better chance of gaining some cash.
The second depature is expected to be academy ace Lino Sousa, who is on the cusp of sealing a permanent switch to Arsenal's Premier League rivals Aston Villa. Some sections of the Gunners faithful have been left frustrated by this deal.
The young left-back has shown signs of talent at youth level but is now unlikely to ever get the chance to strut his stuff for the senior side. It is believed that 19-year-old has already undergone his medical at Villa Park and will immediately be sent out on loan to continue his development.
For any Gunners fans hoping there will be a late surprise, Arteta's comments before Tuesday night's win at Nottingham Forest has quashed such a theory, with the Arsenal manager confirming he's made his mind up and there will be no new additions.
"I don’t expect anyone else to come in," he told reporters. "There is no one else coming in. “For me [today] is serene. I don’t have to do much work. Edu and the board are trying to finalise a few [exits].
"We were working together to find the best solutions. We found them. I think the players are happy and the club did some good business."
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