Arsenal’s starting XI after January transfer window as struggling winger dropped

After a turbulent first half of the season, Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, was under increasing pressure to get the best out of his squad. The team had been inconsistent, with key players struggling to maintain form, and the absence of a few important figures had left a noticeable gap in the starting lineup. But the January transfer window offered a glimmer of hope for the North London club. With Arteta eager to strengthen his squad, Arsenal made several shrewd signings that would reshape the team’s fortunes for the second half of the season.

As the transfer window closed, Arteta unveiled his revamped starting XI, showcasing the new additions and a tactical shift. The biggest surprise, however, came with the exclusion of struggling winger **Nicolas Pépé**, a player who had been once regarded as one of the club’s most promising attacking talents. The Ivorian international, whose performances had been underwhelming for months, found himself relegated to the bench, despite his reputation and high-profile price tag.

Here’s how Arsenal’s starting XI looked after the January window:

**Formation: 4-2-3-1**

**Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale**

Ramsdale continued to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable goalkeepers. His quick reflexes and command of the box kept him as the undisputed first-choice for Arteta.

**Right-back: Ben White**

White’s versatility was key, with Arteta opting for his steady defensive contributions and ability to push forward, forming a solid partnership with the right-winger ahead of him.

**Center-back: Gabriel Magalhães**

The Brazilian remained the cornerstone of the defense. His aerial dominance and physicality were vital in dealing with the opposition’s attacking threats.

**Center-back: William Saliba**

The young Frenchman, signed in the previous summer, had fully adapted to Premier League football and proved to be a composed and intelligent defender. His partnership with Gabriel gave Arsenal a solid defensive backbone.Left-back: Oleksandr Zinchenko**

Zinchenko’s technical ability and football IQ made him a key player for Arteta. With his ability to invert and support midfield, he added a unique dimension to Arsenal’s attack.

**Central Midfield: Thomas Partey**

Partey’s presence in the center of the park was critical. His strength, passing range, and ability to break up opposition attacks gave Arsenal stability in the middle of the pitch.

**Central Midfield: Martin Ødegaard**

The Norwegian playmaker was the key creative force in Arsenal’s midfield, dictating the tempo and linking up the attack. His vision and technical ability were crucial for unlocking opposition defenses.

**Right-wing: Leandro Trossard**

The Belgian winger, signed in January, slotted in seamlessly on the right side. Trossard’s intelligence, dribbling, and ability to cut inside provided Arsenal with a more direct and versatile attacking threat compared to Pépé.

**Attacking Midfield: Bukayo Saka**

Saka, who had emerged as one of the best young talents in Europe, continued to shine on the right side of Arsenal’s attacking midfield. His dribbling, creativity, and ability to score goals made him a pivotal figure in the team.

**Left-wing: Gabriel Martinelli**

The Brazilian winger, who had been in red-hot form all season, kept his place on the left wing. His tireless work rate and sharp finishing made him a constant menace for opposing defenses.

**Striker: Eddie Nketiah**

With Gabriel Jesus still recovering from injury, Nketiah had stepped up as the main striker. His ability to press from the front, coupled with his goal-scoring instinct, made him Arteta’s first choice for the central striker role.

**The Bench:**

Nicolas Pépé, who had been a regular in the starting XI the previous season, was now relegated to the bench. His recent lack of form, inconsistency, and failure to adapt to Arteta’s tactical demands had led to his demotion. Despite his obvious talent, Pépé couldn’t regain the trust of the manager, and with the arrival of new faces, his role in the squad became more peripheral. He would have to fight for a place in the team and prove himself in training if he wanted to earn a spot in the starting XI again.Conclusion:**

The January transfer window had given Arsenal a fresh look and more depth, with Trossard’s arrival and the continued emergence of young talents like Saka and Martinelli. Arteta’s decision to drop Pépé was a bold one, but it reflected his commitment to building a more cohesive and consistent team. With a reshaped squad and a tactical tweak, Arsenal were looking to kick on in the second half of the season, aiming for a return to the top of English football.