Arsenal chief gives huge insight into January transfer plans

Arsenal head of football Raul Sanllehi has suggested that January transfers will not be a priority at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal made five first-team signings this summer as part of Unai Emery’s gradual overhaul of the excellent squad Arsene Wenger left him.

But the Gunners are unlikely to make any further additions in the winter transfer window, which last season saw them break their club record to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while swapping Alexis Sanchez for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Sanllehi, promoted after the departure of chief executive Ivan Gazidis, told Sky Sports that he is “not a strong fan” of the January window.

“We have a self-sustaining business model that is very robust and we are convinced we can be successful under that business model,” Sanllehi said.

“Today is not the day when we are going to go into lots of detail about transfer planning. Every decision we make involves all the experts at the club and we will always make the right decisions for the long-term benefit of the club.

When asked whether January signings were a possibility, he replied: “We are always alert. We are always looking at the market and opportunities that could appear.

“Normally I am not a strong fan of the winter window. I think the winter window is for unexpected problems. That’s not a rule, it is a principle.

“We have a full team of professionals looking into the market, analysing the possibilities and the players. The head coach embraces the philosophy we have and the way we want to play. If we see an opportunity, there is a healthy debate.”