Given the current player shortage, Mikel Arteta has hinted that Arsenal may look to add more players during the upcoming January transfer window.
With Kai Havertz suspended for the next game and several important first-team players (such as Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu) out with injuries, Arteta emphasized the difficulties the team faces with its injury and suspension list.
He stated that in order to improve depth and cover, the team needs to be strengthened in January during a press conference on Wednesday.
Mikel Arteta voiced optimism
Regarding Partey and Tomiyasu’s possible comeback, Arteta stated that nothing has changed, and they won’t be accessible just yet. He acknowledged the team’s lack of players—five are out right now—but he also gave credit to those who have stepped up. While stressing that the injured players haven’t yet practiced with the team, Arteta voiced optimism that they will be back before the international matches the following month.
Arteta disclosed that Arsenal had identified specific targets and ideas for the January transfer window. He expressed the team’s willingness to strengthen the roster should the chance present itself and acknowledged the difficult and quickly changing nature of the market.
In spite of the uncertainty surrounding the timing and condition of players’ returns, Arteta expressed hope for their return and emphasized the team’s current struggles as a result of shortages and areas to which the team has been exposed recently.
Mikel Arteta is keen for Arsenal to return to winning ways in the Premier League
Arteta is keen for Arsenal to return to winning ways in the Premier League, particularly following their Boxing Day loss to Liverpool for the top spot. The Gunners want to finish the season stronger than their Merseyside rivals, and they begin on Thursday with a vital game against West Ham.
When asked if there were any lessons to be learned from Manchester City’s defeat in the title game the previous season, Arteta acknowledged the necessity of continuing to demonstrate this every day.
He emphasized the challenges that lay ahead and the fact that Arsenal would need to play at their best to defeat West Ham and Fulham. He acknowledged the tough league competition and the unpredictable nature of results.
More about Mikel Arteta
Arteta, a former player and Spanish football manager, is currently in charge of Arsenal in the Premier League. Known for his tactical prowess and all-encompassing football philosophy, Arteta began his career in 1999 at Barcelona.
Having played little, he was loaned to Paris Saint-Germain in 2001. He moved to the Scottish club Rangers after enjoying success in France, where he won the League Cup and the Scottish Premier League in his debut season.
Arteta returned to Spain briefly with Real Sociedad in 2005 before signing a long-term loan deal with Everton. He developed into a significant player and twice took home the Everton Player of the Season trophy.
Arteta’s two FA Cup victories after joining Arsenal in 2011 helped the team succeed. In 2014, he assumed the role of team captain, a position he held until his retirement in 2016. Despite having played for Spain at several youth levels, Arteta was never included in the senior squad. Despite never having been awarded a senior international cap, he is still regarded as one of the most important players of the twenty-first century due to his extraordinary abilities.
Following his retirement, Arteta joined Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant coach. He returned to Arsenal in 2019 to take over as head coach, and in his first season, he won the FA Cup. In September 2020, the club increased the manager’s responsibilities.
