Arsenal have left it late. A sentence which despite being factual screams major understatement. The hope that the Gunners would secure the services of a striker and midfielder earlier in the window was one that existed in most supporters.
Yet on the 31st of January with hours remaining of the window, us fans continue to wait for news that Arsenal will indeed bring in the reinforcement that most can see they need.
Made even more pressing by the likelihood that the departures lounge has not yet been emptied. Most notably Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could still leave and The Athletic has reported that the Gabon striker is ‘close’ to agreeing on a six-month loan deal with Barcelona.
Therefore, when tasked with describing what a perfect deadline day window would be for Arsenal, it would be easy to slip into the hyperbolic. Despite what I would wish for being expensive, it is important to factor in what is possible and how easy it can be to get deals done.
I start with the obvious option and that being Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker emerged as the most likely alternative to Dusan Vlahovic after the Serbian swerved Arsenal in favour of Juventus.
The Real Sociedad striker has a €90 million (£75m) release clause which makes the player all the more accessible for a deadline day deal. However, starting with Isak is not to fight his case but instead to shift gears to a different striker.
In my mind, Jonathan David represents one of the best options for what Mikel Arteta expects from a striker. Someone who will give full energy for the game’s entirety, link-up play and be clinical when the time comes.
To organise a deal for the Canadian on deadline day is fanciful but if possible, Arsenal should certainly try instead of paying over the odds for Isak. Tempt Lille with a bid that would be difficult for them to turn down which is possible for the Gunners.
French outlet Jfooteux reports that it would take €55 million (£46m) to pry him away from Lille. A much greater reflection of the player’s quality than spending nearly double on the Swede.
Secondly, for the midfield, I have chosen Tyler Adams. The versatile American international has a release clause like Isak.
However, the £32.5 million release clause for the RB Leipzig star gives Arsenal an accessible figure for a player who can cover and upgrade in multiple areas.
Featuring in central midfield for club and country, Adams is able to play at right-back and right midfield.
After Calum Chambers’ departure and Takehiro Tomiyasu’s fitness concerns this month, having a player who can provide support to the role would be priceless.
The chances of my dream window becoming a reality are, as the name suggests, slim.
However, I believed the club ending the window with no reinforcements equally as shocking and yet that has emerged as a strong possibility, so let's see what this crazy day will bring.
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