Mikel Arteta says there is a possibility that Arsenal could be active in the transfer market this month, but only if it is to bring in a player who can make an immediate impact in the first team.
The Gunners are trying to hunt down Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, currently six points behind the league-leaders, while this weekend they are concentrating on FA Cup action.
Arteta’s side host Manchester United in a blockbuster third round tie on Sunday, while they are also still alive in the Carabao Cup, losing the first leg of their semi-final 2-0 to Newcastle on Tuesday night.
Competing on four fronts, with the Champions League as well, Arsenal’s squad has been stretched, especially with significant injuries to the likes of Bukayo Saka and Ben White.
Arteta says there is a chance that there could be movement in the transfer market during the current window, but if there is it will only be for a big player who can immediately improve the first team.
‘Someone that can impact the team. Bringing bodies doesn’t help at all,’ Arteta said of what he looks for in January.
‘It’s about somebody that can impact immediately with performance and they can bring something we don’t have. In this market it’s very, very difficult to achieve.
‘The circumstances changed because we have had some injuries of some big players. There’s always a possibility if we believe it’s somebody that’s going to make us much better.’
Asked if there have been talks with the hierarchy at the club, he added: ‘We always have discussion with the ones above on how we can improve the team whether the market is open or closed because we have to plan for the necessities right now and what the necessities are medium and long term. Those discussions are always open.’
Arsenal have been linked with bringing in a forward this month, partly due to Saka being sidelined until March.
Newcastle’s in-form striker Alexander Isak is likely to be too expensive, while the Gunners have also been credited with an interest in Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams have also been on the radar in the red half or north London.