On the field, concerns have centered around an ongoing injury crisis that has severely limited player availability, ultimately impacting their chances of competing for the title. Their recent 1-0 defeat to West Ham has left them eight points behind league leaders Liverpool, despite previously showing strong form.
However, much of the frustration has been directed at those making decisions behind the scenes. Mikel Arteta is reportedly “angry” with the Arsenal hierarchy over their failure to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window.
In a last-minute attempt to secure one of their long-term targets, Arsenal submitted a £40 million bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. However, Connor Humm criticized the offer as a “disgrace” and an “insult,” arguing that the 29-year-old’s value and importance to Villa warranted a much higher fee. It was believed that Villa would have accepted a £60 million bid, making Arsenal’s low offer a source of frustration among fans.
Speaking on the Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Humm described Watkins as an “unbelievable player” and questioned why Arsenal hadn’t prioritized signing him earlier in the window.
“Why didn’t we go all out for Ollie Watkins? It makes no sense. The bid was absolutely disgraceful. He’s a top-quality striker, and his numbers over the last three years prove it. People say, ‘Oh, he’s nearly 30’—who cares? We need a striker, and he was right there for the taking.”
Humm also expressed disappointment at Arsenal’s missed opportunity to capitalize on a weakened Manchester City, suggesting this was the season they should have won the league. He also criticized the decision to use Mikel Merino as a striker, labeling it “pure luck” when he scored against Leicester, emphasizing that Merino is a midfielder, not a forward.
Merino’s unexpected role as a striker is a result of Arsenal’s severe lack of attacking depth. With Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri as their only fit forwards, Arsenal have been forced to adapt. Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have been ruled out for the season, while Gabriel Martinelli is targeting a return in late March, and Bukayo Saka is expected back later in the campaign.
Despite Merino scoring twice in his substitute appearance against Leicester, he struggled in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham at the Emirates, highlighting their ongoing attacking issues.
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