Mikel Arteta could not have been much clearer when he was asked about Arsenal’s transfer plans at the start of January.
“I don’t know because the focus is on the players we have,” the Spaniard told reporters when asked if it was more likely the club sign someone than not. “If something stronger is in the market that we can afford and we believe is going to have a real impact in the team, we always have to be open for that possibility because we’d have the ability to improve the squad in the windows. But at the moment, the focus is on what we have.”
With deadline day now here, the Gunners are yet to make any signings whatsoever. With Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu suffering big injuries, some may feel it is a surprise the north Londoners have been rather quiet on the transfer front. With just hours of the window remaining, that is not expected to change.
Instead, Arsenal are expected to turn their attention to the summer when it comes to new signings.
It’s also believed the club would be open to signing a wide forward, preferably someone who is versatile and who can play across the frontline. Nico Williams is a player who the club have looked at, although the Spaniard is understood to be asking for extremely high wages should a move come to fruition.
The last area Arsenal seem keen to strengthen is in defensive midfield. With Jorginho looking like he will join Brazilian side Flamengo in the summer when his contract ends, a replacement will be needed. Thomas Partey’s contract is also due to expire in a matter of months, although the Ghana international has been one of the best performers this season.
