Arsenal’s January transfer window could finally mark the conclusion of a long-running three-year recruitment mission – and remarkably, it may not cost sporting director Andrea Berta a single penny. In an era where elite clubs routinely spend tens of millions to solve squad issues, the Gunners may instead find their solution already within reach, free of charge.
Since Mikel Arteta began reshaping Arsenal into genuine title contenders, one consistent objective has been clear: building a squad with depth, versatility, and elite-level competition in every position. Over the past three seasons, Arsenal have targeted profiles that fit a very specific identity – technically secure, tactically intelligent, physically reliable, and mentally strong. Yet one area of the squad has often felt unfinished, requiring patience rather than panic buying.
January now presents a unique opportunity. Rather than dipping into the market, Arsenal could complete this mission by reintegrating a player whose absence has been felt but whose value remains undeniable. Whether through the return of a long-term injury absentee, the end of a loan spell, or the natural development of an internal option, Arteta finally has the chance to strengthen the squad without external spending.
This approach aligns perfectly with Andrea Berta’s philosophy. Known for his data-driven recruitment and long-term planning, Berta has never been a fan of short-term fixes. Arsenal’s recent success has been built on sustainability rather than reckless spending, and completing a key transfer objective without a transfer fee would be a significant win for the club’s sporting structure. In a tight Financial Fair Play landscape, saving money in January could prove just as valuable as signing a marquee name.
From a tactical perspective, this “free” reinforcement could unlock greater flexibility. Arsenal have occasionally struggled when forced to rotate during congested fixture periods, particularly in high-stakes matches where cohesion matters most. Adding a ready-made solution – one already familiar with Arteta’s demands – would reduce adaptation time and immediately raise the squad’s ceiling.
There is also a psychological boost to consider. For players who have worked through injuries or loan spells, returning to contribute at a crucial stage of the season can feel like a new signing. The message to the dressing room is powerful: improvement doesn’t always come from outside; sometimes it comes from trusting the process and the players already invested in the project.
Ultimately, if Arsenal manage to complete this three-year transfer mission in January without spending a penny, it will underline how far the club has come. Smart planning, patience, and belief in internal solutions may prove just as decisive as any blockbuster deal – and could be another sign that Arsenal are operating like a truly elite club once again.
