Arteta also revealed that Arsenal strengthened and improved its squad depth in 3 key areas with the signing of Trossard, Jakub, and Jorginho
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, has given the reason behind his sanctioning of the loan moves of three Gunners players during the January transfer window.
The Gunners allowed the likes of Albert Sambi Lokonga, Cedric Soares and Marquinhos to join Crystal Palace, Fulham and Norwich City respectively.
The north London club had initially strengthened their squad with the arrivals of Leandro Trossard from Premier League club, Brighton, Jakub Kiwior from Serie A outfit, Spezia, and Jorginho from City rivals, Chelsea.
Justifying his decision, Arteta said Arsenal allowed Lokonga, Marquinhos and Soares to leave the Emirates because the players needed more playing time.
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Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League tie with Everton on Saturday, Arteta said at his pre-match press conference when asked to rate Arsenal’s business in the January window: “A really tricky one but in the end a really positive one.
“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.”
