Speaking on The Ornstein and Chapman Podcast for The Athletic (at 33:40), David Ornstein has provided a major update on what Arsenal's plans are for this January transfer window.
What did he say?
The Gunners have yet to do any business this month in terms of incomings, but have been linked with a number of players, particularly at centre-back. The likes of Nathan Ake and Dayot Upamecano have been mentioned, whilst their interest in midfielder Bruno Guimaraes was also confirmed by the Brazilian club's president.
Now, Ornstein has revealed that whilst the Gunners are on the look-out for reinforcements, they will be operating predominantly in the loan market, and don't have the financial resources to make a major splash at this moment in time.
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He said: "Arsenal are looking to make one to two loan signings during this January transfer window. They're not close to any of them at the moment, and it would be a maximum of one to two loans from what I'm told. Arteta feels he has a strong squad especially when players come back from injury. My information about one of the positions they are looking to fill, is left centre-half with a loan deal.
"There is also possible suggestions of a central midfielder and maybe someone to cover at the full-back areas with the injuries they've got there. They spent heavily in the summer and that has to be factored into the equation with the issue of FFP. They, like many other clubs, prefer the summer window, so you can expect them to spend again next summer. It's more likely there will be a couple of outgoings in the immediate term."
Smart choice
Whilst new signings would undoubtedly be welcome at Arsenal, or indeed at any club, such is the buzz that it creates, the Gunners would be wise to avoid simply splashing the cash for the sake of it. Going for short-term fixes when they could quite conceivably ride out the season and go for their number one priorities rather than panic-buying now, seems like a wholly more logical business strategy.
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So whilst "one or two loan signings" isn't exactly the most exciting of news, it is encouraging in the sense that the north London side are planning for further forward, and not just for the here and now.