EKO HOT BLOG reports on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta explaining the reason behind the club allowing three players, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Marquinhos and Cedric Soares, to leave Emirates Stadium during the recent January transfer window.
Arteta revealed that the players needed more playing time and the club found the right teams for them to gain that experience.
In the meantime, Arsenal brought in Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior, and Jorginho to strengthen the squad.
Speaking ahead of the Premier League game against Everton, Arteta stated that the club’s transfer business in January was “a really tricky one but in the end, a really positive one.”
He further added that they had three key positions they wanted to improve, and they have achieved that goal with the arrival of Trossard, Kiwior and Jorginho.
Regarding the departures, Arteta said that Sambi Lokonga needed time and games to develop his talent and he believes that joining Palace will provide him with the right coaching staff to do so.
Marquinhos also needed more playing minutes, and Arteta sees this as a “tough but good test” for him to play in a top league club.
The departure of Cedric Soares was a difficult decision for the club as he was demanding more playing time, but Arteta stated that it was difficult to promise that to him. Despite that, Arteta emphasized that the club loves Cedric and wishes him all the best.
In conclusion, Arsenal’s January transfer window was a positive one as the club was able to strengthen its squad while giving the players who needed more playing time an opportunity to do so.
“We had three main key areas of positions we wanted to improve and we have done it. With Leo [Trossard], Jakub, and Jorg [Jorginho].”
He added: “As well, we have offloaded the squad with three players, Sambi needed time and games to develop the talent that he has and I think in Palace, we have found the right club with the right coaching staff as well, so I believe that will work out.
“Marquinhos needed minutes. It’s going to be a really tough but really good test for him to play in the league in a great club.
“With Cedric, he was demanding minutes and it was difficult to promise that to him. He is a player we all loved, it was a difficult decision.”
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