Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal must be ready for action in the January transfer window as they continue to suffer from injury problems.
The Gunners spent £267m on eight new players over the summer, but their depth has been tested by a series of absences this term, as they were last season.
Injuries to Julian Timber and Riccardo Calafioli left Arsenal with just four senior defenders for Saturday’s game against Brighton, including the recently returned Gabriel Magalhães, who had to be replaced at right-back by Declan Rice.
The 2-1 win ensured Arsenal would move back to the top of the Premier League ahead of Manchester City, but Arteta hinted that reinforcements could be needed in January if injury problems persist, adding he was expecting a “very positive” period.
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Free to watch: Highlights of Arsenal’s win over Brighton
Regarding the possibility of adding more defensive options, he said: “I don’t know, but we will be very aware of the situation and timescale for specific players, from the front to the back line.”
“That’s the depth you need. If you look at other clubs, they have 24, 25 players in their squad, so there’s nothing special about our team.
“The problem is that there are more injuries than expected and some of them are unavoidable.
“But we want to get better and we know how important it is to be able to do the right thing with the players during the season.”
Arsenal list 25 players in their first-team squad on their website, including players under the age of 21 who do not count towards the quota, meaning there is room for further additions either on permanent transfers or on loan, according to Premier League rules.
Martin Odegaard celebrates after giving Arsenal the lead against Brighton
Asked if he thought there was still space in the squad, Arteta added: “Like I said, it depends on the availability of certain players.”
“The window is there, we are Arsenal, now we have to look at it.
“Okay, what do we need? We have to actively look for it. And can we do it? That’s another story, but our job is to always be well prepared because anything can happen.
So I hope it’s very positive. ”
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The best angle of David Raya’s brilliant save from Yankuba Minte’s shot during Arsenal’s 2-1 win against Brighton
Arteta was also asked about a possible departure in January, but said the onus was on sporting director Andrea Berta.
“Again, we evaluate every situation, and we leave it to Andrea to understand what is happening in the market.
Tuesday, December 30th 6:30pm
8:15pm kickoff
“And as for the individual players, obviously we have to evaluate each player and where we are in order to get the best possible situation.”
Analysis: Will Arsenal make a move in January?
Arsenal are likely to have a quiet January after a busy summer as they feel the team has the ability to win the Premier League title. A number of players have yet to return from injury, including Kai Havertz, who returned to training last week.
Arteta has always said he will remain on the lookout for unique market opportunities, such as elite players or long-term targets. However, it is generally considered rare for a deal of this size to be accepted in the January window.
Arsenal are always keeping an eye on the European market for young potential players, and are said to have scouted Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza, AC Milan full-back Davide Baltessaghi and Eintracht Frankfurt forward Gian-Mateo Bajoya.
“Villa deserve title contenders”
Arsenal continue their Premier League campaign on Tuesday at home to third-placed Aston Villa, who are three points behind after their 11th consecutive win in all competitions.
Arteta feels Unai Emery’s side deserve to be contenders for the title.
“Well, they deserve to be there,” he said. “Look at what they are doing, how consistent they are and what Unai has done for the club.
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‘He reminds me of Jose Mourinho!’ Jamie Redknapp and Steve Sidwell on Unai Emery and Aston Villa’s chances of winning the Premier League
“So I think they deserve that credit because they’re doing it on a pitch where they have to show their level.”
Arteta insisted Arsenal had learned from their painful late defeat at Villa Park on December 6 as they prepare for a chance to move five points clear with Manchester City not playing until Thursday.
Arteta added: “We will wait and see.”
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Watch late highlights from Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over Arsenal on December 6th
“I have some ideas and things that I need to improve on, and the way we lost was also very brutal.
“But yeah, we learned from that. Definitely using that motivation and that hunger in the right way.”
Watch Arsenal vs Aston Villa live on Sky Sports Premier League on Tuesdays from 6.30pm. Kickoff 8:15pm
