In Crystal Palace’s case, the January transfer window was a fairly uneventful one but for the arrival of Jean-Philippe Mateta.
In fairness, there’s nothing wrong with that, as reinforcements weren’t hugely necessary this month.
However, there was one position that could’ve benefitted from a new face.
Where? Well, the right flank could’ve done with a fresh option.
Roy Hodgson started Jordan Ayew out there against Wolves, while Andros Townsend has made 16 appearances out there this term, according to WhoScored.
Ayew is more of a centre-forward, and his displays out wide are largely ineffective. In Townsend’s case, he has lost his pace, and isn’t as effective as he used to be.
Roy Hodgson had an ideal way of solving this dilemma last month, while also solving another problem.
According to the Mirror, Arsenal were interested in a January move for Patrick van Aanholt to solve their left-back issues.
The Netherlands international is out of contract in June, so as things stand, the Eagles will lose him for nothing.
Interestingly, CBS Sports state that the Gunners were trying to find a loan move for their wide man Reiss Nelson as the clock ticked down.
If Arsenal did approach us for Van Aanholt, Dougie Freedman could’ve enquired about the pacey 21-year-old’s situation, and perhaps a mutually beneficial deal might’ve been struck.
Mikel Arteta would’ve got his left-back, while Palace would’ve got a fee for a player they’re set to lose for nothing.
In Hodgson’s case, he would’ve had gained a fresh option to use on the right flank, therefore solving a problem position at Selhurst Park.
Sadly, a mutually beneficial move such as this didn’t happen.
Both players stayed where they were, when really, a move would’ve benefitted the both of them.
