Arsenal's transfer window winners and losers as late arrival softens Mudryk blow
To sum Arsenal’s January transfer window in just one sentence, they missed out on two key targets but still strengthened in the position that Mikel Arteta’s squad lacked the most depth.
Five points clear in a Premier League title race they have long held the lead in, and with a game in hand on Manchester City, whom they must face twice, it is clear to see that Arteta's side are in a very strong position ahead of the second half of the season.
But will the Gunners’ January transfer window be enough to get them over the line?
For now it is hard to say.
Winners
Leandro Trossard
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The manner of the Belgian’s departure from Brighton will leave a sour taste in the mouth for many fans on the south coast and head coach Roberto De Zerbi. But his performances for the Seagulls suggested that he is deserving of a place on the biggest stage - now he must prove it for the league leaders.
Jakub Kiwior
If you knew a lot about the young Poland defender before January, you are very much in the minority or telling fibs. But the 22-year-old has still landed on his feet: he will not be first choice, yet that means the pressure is off in the short-term and he can continue to develop in an environment full of belief and confidence.
Jorginho
The Italian midfielder was looking at spending the final four months of his time at Chelsea as a bench warmer for a team desperately chasing fourth position. Instead he has a great chance of making a tangible impact in a title challenge. He may have won the Champions League and Europa League on top of success with the Azzurri - but he is still to land a major domestic trophy having lost all five Cup finals at Stamford Bridge.
Losers
Albert Sambi Lokonga endured a disappointing evening against Man City in the FA Cup last Friday. (Getty Images)Albert Sambi Lokonga
Jorginho’s arrival and the determination to strengthen in midfield is a fairly significant vote of no confidence in the Belgian, who has now gone to Crystal Palace on loan for the rest of the season. He will need to make a big impact at Selhurst Park to convince Arteta he is capable of doing a job in North London from next season on.
Edu
Take the #EduOut tweets that were doing the rounds yesterday with more than pinch of salt and it will matter little if Arteta can seal the title come May.
But the technical director ultimately missed out on number one target Mykhaylo Mudryk, who instead went to Chelsea, and got a telling off from Shakhtar Donetsk’s chief executive because of the manner in which Arsenal approached trying to agree personal terms with the Ukraine winger. Then, after securing Trossard, Edu was unable to convince Brighton to also part ways with Moises Caicedo.
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Moises Caicedo
The talented midfielder was unable to follow former team-mate Trossard to the Emirates as Brighton dug their heels in.
He will likely get a big six move in the summer, with Chelsea also interested, but he might have just missed out on a league medal.
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