Winners
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli
The weight of a title challenge often ends up resting on specific individuals. Whilst it most certainly is a team effort there are always the stars of a side that if unavailable massive questions are asked about who is coming in.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were truly two of those for Arsenal; in addition to Thomas Partey, it must be said. The additions of Leandro Trossard and Jorginho though have certainly not only provided cover in defensive midfield and the wide areas but it hands Arsenal Premier League-ready talent that needs no time to adapt arriving in the middle of such an important season.
Brighton
Brighton stood firm and kept their man, Moises Caicedo. Granted, they lost Trossard to Arsenal but with the form shown by Kaoru Mitoma they are hardly missing the wantaway Belgian whatsoever.
READ MORE: Declan Rice sets transfer challenge for Edu as Arsenal try to nip their market failures in the bud
The relationship between the Seagulls and Arsenal may have been affected by the transfer saga for Caicedo but that will worry Brighton little. A refocused Caicedo is sure to help Brighton as they fight for a first European qualification and any money the Gunners could have paid would have paled in comparison to this achievement – dismissing the fact Brighton can get a huge fee for Caicedo in the summer anyway.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
Trudging off the field at the Etihad Stadium, I watched on and thought if this might be not only the last time we see Albert Sambi Lokonga in an Arsenal shirt this season but ever. He was unhappy with a lack of game time and stigmatised for it due to the infamous brief clip of him getting put down by an equally frustrated Eddie Nketiah who in contrast has taken his opportunities when handed to him.
Lokonga has left on loan to join Crystal Palace. Patrick Vieira’s side were in need of a midfielder and therefore the Belgian will get minutes which is exactly what he needs.
He’ll return to Arsenal hopefully either a better player far more ready to have another go at his career in north London or with an improved profile and ready to make the Gunners a far tidier transfer fee than the reported €8million (£7.1million) that Monaco offered.
Losers
Edu Gaspar
Yes, it may seem harsh considering that Arsenal brought in three players this window, all of whom are good options for Mikel Arteta and the hope is they can help us on our way to the title. Perhaps should we win the league, in reflection this might seem more than harsh.
However, in the cold light of the day after the night before, Edu is facing criticism and there is some logic to it. Moises Caicedo and Mykhailo Mudryk were two players Arsenal wanted this window and couldn’t get them.
Edu moved instead after failing to secure them to Trossard and Jorginho. Just like Arsenal moved to an alternative after not getting Jules Kounde, Dusan Vlahovic, Emi Buendia, Lisandro Martinez and Raphinha.
This question of whether Edu can get the priority target he, Mikel Arteta and the wider recruitment team identify as the best possible option lingers on. In the summer, Arsenal might be Premier League champions or at minimum a side with the label of potential title challengers, the pressure will be on the buck the trend and secure target number one.
Manchester City
Almost as surprising as Arsenal being in the title race this season is the Gunners adding three players to the cause whilst their rivals for the championship allowed Joao Cancelo to leave for Bayern Munich on loan with a potential buy option. Pep Guardiola’s reported relationship with the Portuguese international had been affected leading to a lack of minutes and subsequent exit.
Arsenal will be pleased to be able to strengthen the forward line, midfield and defence with their signings whilst City will rely on Rico Lewis and Kyle Walker to be their right-backs for the season. John Stones and Manuel Akanji could deputise if need be but the Gunners will believe their chances to have improved compared to City’s after the window’s closure.
Mehmet Ali
It is sometimes a thankless task being the head coach of the under-21s. Mehmet Ali’s Arsenal under 21s are chasing both the PL2 title and the PL Cup this season.
Sitting in fourth but with the chance two go two points behind leaders Man City should they win their game in hand, Ali saw several of his team leave on deadline day. Taylor Foran, Billy Vigar, Kido Taylor-Hart and Nathan Butler Oyedeji all left on loan to teams in the football league.
One benefit was the return of Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand who was recalled from Hull City. He flourished last season and will hope to regain form. Losing starting players like Butler-Oyedeji and Foran will be a challenge Ali must now overcome.
READ NEXT:
Why Arsenal did not complete Moises Caicedo transfer as Edu relationship with Brighton weakens
Edu has met Mikel Arteta's one transfer demand as Arsenal aim for Premier League title
UEFA deadline for Arsenal to name Europa League squad revealed after £54m triple transfer swoop
The free agents Arsenal can still sign after deadline day to boost Premier League title hope
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
