North London Rivals Could Turn to Free Agent Market
The January transfer window has officially slammed shut, but for Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, the opportunity to strengthen their squads is not completely over. Both North London rivals are now likely to explore the free agent market to address key squad deficiencies that remained unresolved before Monday's deadline.
Post-Deadline Landscape in the Premier League
The winter transfer window closed at 7pm on Monday, with the usual flurry of last-minute activity. Some deals were completed after the official deadline using the Premier League's deal sheet system. Notably, Chelsea defender Axel Disasi secured a move to West Ham United, while Tottenham arranged a loan deal for Hearts youngster James Wilson with an option to buy in the summer.
Arsenal opted for a quiet January window, choosing not to add to their substantial summer expenditure despite losing midfielder Mikel Merino to a season-ending injury. Tottenham, meanwhile, secured the signature of Conor Gallagher earlier in the month but failed to bolster their attacking options. This leaves manager Thomas Frank particularly short-handed after Brennan Johnson's departure to Crystal Palace and injuries to key forwards Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus, who are both sidelined for at least two months.
Clubs can still sign free agents until the Premier League squad submission deadline, after which any new additions would be ineligible to play in the league. This makes the free agent market a potentially valuable resource for teams seeking late reinforcements.
Raheem Sterling: A Potential Gamble for Tottenham
One of the most intriguing possibilities involves former Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, who became a free agent last month after mutually terminating his contract. The 31-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca and endured a disappointing loan spell at Arsenal, where he failed to regain his place in first-team training.
Despite recent setbacks, Sterling remains a proven Premier League performer with a decorated career. The winger has reportedly expressed willingness to accept a reduced salary to secure a new club, making him an attractive option for Tottenham. While no longer considered among the elite bracket of players, his experience and pedigree—including four Premier League titles—could provide valuable depth for Spurs.
Tottenham's urgent need for attacking reinforcements, coupled with Sterling's availability on a free transfer and flexible wage demands, presents a low-risk opportunity for Thomas Frank. A short-term deal could offer the manager additional options as he aims to salvage Tottenham's Premier League campaign and maintain competitiveness in European competitions.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: A Familiar Face for Arsenal
On the other side of North London, Arsenal are considering a reunion with former midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The 32-year-old has been training with the Gunners to maintain fitness since leaving Turkish club Besiktas at the start of the season.
When questioned about potential signings following Merino's injury, manager Mikel Arteta did not dismiss the possibility, stating that Arsenal would evaluate all available options. Oxlade-Chamberlain's last Premier League appearance was over two-and-a-half years ago, raising questions about his current ability to contribute at the highest level.
However, the veteran midfielder could offer reliable squad depth, valuable dressing room experience, and a winning mentality, having previously lifted the Premier League trophy. For Arsenal, signing a player of Oxlade-Chamberlain's calibre on a free transfer represents a sensible, low-cost solution to address their midfield shortage, especially with the demanding schedule of domestic and European fixtures ahead.
As the Premier League season enters its crucial phase, both Arsenal and Tottenham may find that the free agent market holds the key to addressing their respective squad challenges without the financial commitments of the traditional transfer window.
