Arsenal must actively pursue signings in January transfer window as injury concerns persist, says Mikel Arteta | Football news

Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal must be ready to make a move in the January transfer window as they continue to battle injury problems.

The Gunners invested £267 million in eight new signings during the summer window but, continuing from last season, their depth has been tested by a series of absences this season.

Injuries to Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori left Arsenal with just four senior defenders for Saturday’s win over Brighton, including Gabriel Magalhaes, who was only fit enough for the bench on his return, as Declan Rice had to replace him at right-back.

The 2-1 victory saw Arsenal move back above Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, but Arteta suggested January reinforcements may be needed if their injury problems persist and added he is hoping for a “very positive” window.

“I don’t know, we’re going to be really aware of the situation and the timelines of certain players, moving from the front line to the back line,” he said of the possibility of adding defensive options.

“That’s the depth you need. When you look at other clubs as well, they have 24, 25 players, so there is nothing special in our team.

“The fact is we have more injuries than expected, some unavoidable I would say.

“But we want to be better and we know how important it will be to have the right availability of players this season.”

Arsenal have 25 players listed in their first team on their website, but this includes several under the age of 21, who do not count towards allocation, meaning there is room for further additions, either permanent or on loan, under Premier League rules.

“Depending, as I said, on the availability of certain players,” Arteta added when asked if he thought he still had space in his squad.

“The window is there. We are Arsenal. Now we have to look at it.

“OK, what do we need? We need to actively search. And then can we do it or not? That’s another story, but our job is to always be very prepared because something can happen.

So, hopefully, very positive.”

Arteta was also asked about potential January exits but said the responsibility lay with sporting director Andrea Berta.

“Again, we evaluate each situation. I leave it even more to Andrea to understand what is happening in the market.

“And then with individual players, obviously we have to evaluate where we are with each one and get the best situation.”

Analysis: Will Arsenal move for someone in January?

Arsenal are likely to be calm in January after a busy summer as they believe the team is capable of winning the Premier League title. A number of players are yet to return from injury, including Kai Havertz, who returned to training last week.

Arteta has always said he will keep his eyes open for unique market opportunities – elite players or longer-term targets. However, it is recognized that deals of this magnitude are generally rare during the January window.

Arsenal are always on the lookout for young players with potential in the European market and have reportedly scouted the Elche midfielder. Rodrigo MendozaAC Milan full-back Davide Bartesaghi and the Eintracht Frankfurt striker Jean-Matteo Bahoya.

“Villa deserves to be title contender”

Arsenal continue their Premier League campaign on Tuesday at home to an Aston Villa side just three points behind them in third place after winning 11 consecutive games in all competitions.

Arteta believes Unai Emery’s side are worthy title contenders.

“Well, they deserve to be there,” he said. “Look at what they are doing, how consistent they have been, what Unai has done with the club.

“So, I think they fully deserve this credit because they do it on the pitch where you have to show your level.”

Arteta insists Arsenal have learned the lessons of their painful late defeat at Villa Park on December 6 as they prepare to have a chance to go five points ahead, with Manchester City not playing until Thursday.

“We will monitor him,” Arteta added.

“I have some ideas and things we need to improve. And it was pretty cruel too, the way we lost him.

“But yeah, we learned from it. You use that motivation and that hunger in the right way, that’s for sure.”

Watch Arsenal v Aston Villa live on Sky Sports Premier League on Tuesday from 6.30pm; kick-off at 8:15 p.m.