Neville heaps praise on Arsenal's "sensible" January transfer business decision

02 February 2024 , 21:06

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Gary Neville has given his thoughts on Arsenal's lack of signings (Image: PA)

Gary Neville believes Arsenal made a "sensible" decision not to go all out to buy a striker in the January transfer window.

Fans were calling for Arsenal to sign a new goalscorer after a disappointing run of results saw them lose ground in the Premier League title race, with questions were asked about Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.

The pair have scored nine league goals between them this season, three of which Nketiah scored in a 5-0 win over Sheffield United, but neither of them have been prolific in front of goal. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta even admitted his squad was "thin" while bemoaning the fact that financial fair play rules meant Arsenal did not have much money to spend.

"We have one of the thinnest squads in the league, that's for sure," he claimed ahead of their recent game against Nottingham Forest. "And when you talk about the numbers, especially in certain areas, we are really thin.

"It wasn't possible [to do any January deals] and now we didn't have the capacity to improve the team in the way that we think we want to improve it. So we decided not to do something yet."

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They were heavily linked with Brentford's Ivan Toney, but manager Thomas Frank said early in the window it would take an "unbelievable" offer to persuade them to sell. And Neville has praised Arsenal for "not panicking" and playing "over the odds" for a player.

"Sometimes we say it's a bad window when clubs don't sign players but actually, it can be a good window when you don't have any players leave your club," Neville told Sky Sports. "You can have stability.

Arsenal did not make a single signing in January, despite manager Mikel Arteta bemoaning their "thin" squad (Getty Images)

"Players coming in during January can upset things and destabilise the dressing room. Arsenal have been one of the main talking points over the last few months that they need to bring in a striker.

"They don't punish teams enough but if that player is not available or a huge price then it's sensible clubs haven't done business. Keeping the players you have is important and not panicking, bringing in players over the odds that creates a problem down the line."

Arsenal currently sit third in the table, five points behind league leaders Liverpool who they are set to host at the Emirates on Sunday in a blockbuster clash that could have huge ramifications on the title race.

Matthew Cooper