Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham defends the club’s decision not to sign anyone in the January market

Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has defended the Gunners’ lack of spending in the January transfer window as none of their potential options made sense in the market. 

The north Londoners failed to bring in any new faces during the winter window, despite letting five first-team players leave the club, including former club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. 

Even though the Gunners failed to add to Mikel Arteta‘s squad in a crucial run-in as they plot for a top-four spot, Venkatesham admits Arsenal were active in the market but chose not to take a risk – and promised more player investment in the summer.

Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham has defended the Gunners’ lack of January window activity

The north Londoners failed to make a single signing in January despite letting five players go

Ventakesham told an Arsenal Fans’ Forum that both permanent and loan deals were discussed in terms of potential incomings into Arteta’s squad, but a player who could make the difference was unavailable. 

And according to Arsenal fans present at the forum, the Gunners CEO admits the club are comfortable with the players they have available, despite a slight weakness in the striker department at the Emirates Stadium.

Young forward Folarin Balogun also joined Aubameyang in leaving Arsenal this winter, with the 20-year-old moving to Middlesbrough on loan until the end of the season, leaving Arteta with just two recognised forwards until May.

Alexandre Lacazette (right) and Eddie Nketiah (left) are the only two strikers at Arsenal

Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are those two options, but they have a combined total of three Premier League goals so far this season. 

Reports also claimed Arsenal had the opportunity to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Mauro Icardi during the window – but turned it down. 

The Gunners have free agent and former midfielder Jack Wilshere training and coaching with their first-team and academy squads, but Venkatesham reiterated there was no plans to award the 30-year-old a professional deal. 

Venkatesham also announced plans to revamp Arsenal’s 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium

Arsenal’s top-four chances are well within their grasp as they lie four points behind fourth-placed Manchester United – but with three games in hand over the Red Devils. 

Meanwhile, Ventakesham told Arsenal supporters that plans are underway to make several investments in redeveloping the Emirates Stadium this calendar year.

Plans are underway to repair and replace the roof in Arsenal’s 60,000-seater venue, replace the banners that cover the outside of the stadium depicting former players and club legends and upgrading the turnstile areas.