Mikel Arteta is not optimistic about Arsenal’s January transfer plans (Picture: Getty)
Mikel Arteta has tempered expectations for the January transfer window, admitting it is possible that Arsenal won’t bring in any new signings.
Arsenal have endured a tricky end to their festive schedule, with defeats against West Ham and Fulham seeing them drop from top of the Premier League on Christmas Day to fourth by the turn of the year.
With the January transfer window now open, Gunners fans are eagerly awaiting new signings through the door to revitalise the club’s title charge.
However, the Arsenal boss was not in a confident mood when asked about potential incomings and insisted his focus remains on working with his current crop of plays.
‘We are open in the transfer market but again the emphasis is on making the most out of the players that we have,’ the Spaniard said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round clash with Liverpool.
‘We will work together with the club to understand whether there are any possibilities and if we have any good options, but first of all focus on the players that we have.’
Pressed further on whether the club may do no business at all, Arteta added: ‘That is a possibility.’
Arsenal have been long-time admirers of Brentford’s Ivan Toney (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal have been consistently linked with a move for Ivan Toney in January as they look to add more firepower up front.
However, recent reports suggest that Brentford are now going to demand a mammoth fee of £100m for their star striker – a figure Arsenal will not be able to pay unless they sell players first.
Eddie Nketiah has been linked with a move away from the club, with Crystal Palace interested, although the forward is rated by Arteta who does not want to see the 24-year-old depart.
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In addition to a new forward, Arteta also wants to sign a full-back – though again those plans will be hampered by financial constraints.
The continued absence of Jurrien Timber, coupled with Oleksandr Zinchenko’s inconsistent form and Takehiro Tomiyasu’s unavailability, will leave Arsenal light on options at the back and the club have already been linked with a swoop for Ajax teenager Jorrel Hato.
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