As Arsenal sit atop the Premier League on transfer deadline day, Mikel Arteta’s pointed comments about last January’s failed business serve as a stark warning that a quiet window can derail even the most promising of campaigns.
The Gunners boss, reflecting on the winter of 2025, did not hide his frustration after a last ditch move for Ollie Watkins collapsed, leaving his attacking ranks dangerously thin. “We had a clear intention… We haven’t achieved it so we are disappointed in that sense,” Arteta admitted at the time, in remarks that now echo with fresh relevance.
The context was dire. With Gabriel Jesus ruled out for the season and Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli still sidelined, Kai Havertz was left carrying an unsustainable burden. Arteta’s attempt to reinforce was a logical necessity, not a luxury. “It’s not a gamble, it’s reality,” he stressed, highlighting a squad size he then described as insufficient compared to rivals fielding “45 players.”
The consequences were tangible. Havertz himself picked up an injury shortly after, and despite a valiant effort from returning stars and stand in Mikel Merino, Arsenal’s challenge faded. They finished a distant second, 10 points behind Liverpool, and fell short in the Champions League semi finals.
Now, back in a position of strength with better depth, the club faces a familiar tension. The memory of last year’s “disappointment” is a clear reminder from the manager that standing still is a risk. As the hours tick down, the question isn’t just about who might arrive, but whether the lessons of a subdued window 12 months ago have truly been learned. For a squad and a support base dreaming of a first title in over two decades, the next 24 hours could define their season.
