Players on the move: Join Razeen Gutta for a weekly roundup of all the biggest deals taking place around South Africa and Europe.
Europe
The Gunners have no plans of making any signings before the conclusion of the January transfer window, manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed.
As Europe’s elite look to scramble for their last-minute additions, Arsenal will focus on their title challenge without any new players.
Speaking to TNT Sports, the Gunners boss said that new purchases were just not possible in this window, emphasising the importance of player availability from now until the end of the campaign.
“It wasn’t possible … we didn’t have the capacity to improve the team in the way that we think we want to improve it. So we decided not to do something,” Arteta said.
“We have one of the thinnest squads in the league but you need your best players in the team available. When it comes to March, April, and you are fighting for everything, you need everybody fit and available to push.”
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Aston Villa have secured the services of winger Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough.
The 21-year-old is currently the top scorer in the Carabao Cup, and according to Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, Villa have reached an agreement to sign him after multiple offers were initially rejected.
One league in which both rumours and done deals have stayed consistent is the Saudi Pro League.
The future of Karim Benzema has been a much-talked-about saga in this window, with the Frenchman linked with a move away from Al Ittihad.
Many reports of interest from the Premier League filled the mill, with Manchester United and Chelsea linked with the former Real Madrid man.
The latest news on the player’s future, however, is that he may stay in Saudi — with a move to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr being speculated by L’Équipe. No official agreement has taken place yet, though.
The latest addition to the Middle East’s fast-growing phenomenon is Ivan Rakitic. The Croat left Sevilla for Al Shabab, with his new contract running until June next year.
South Africa
The Premier Soccer League window ended earlier than usual due to the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
The Friday 26 January deadline day saw Mamelodi Sundowns steal the headlines with the signing of Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch for R13-million.
Pictured above: Mikel Arteta
Image source: @arsenalnewschan
