Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that he does not expect to be busy in the January transfer window. Speaking after Saturday’s goalless draw with Everton, the Gunners boss said: “I never expect January to be super busy but we have to wait and see where we are.”
A striker remains high on the priority list for a number of supporters, particularly after striking out against the Toffees. And Arteta did not rule out signings, despite admitting to not expecting to be busy.
He added: “Some surprises can come. We are prepared for that. Some opportunities too. We have to see. Hopefully the availability of the squad will be better in a few weeks. We have to wait and see.”
When it comes to forwards, Marcus Rashford has once again been linked, given his situation at Manchester United. The England man was not even in the squad for the Manchester Derby at the weekend.
Viktor Gyokeres continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, with his goalscoring run in the Portuguese league for Sporting CP showing no sign of slowing down. Dusan Vlahovic, who was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal from Fiorentina, before choosing Juventus, is once again being brought up too.
There will also be others in different positions. Defensive reinforcements could be on the agenda, while with Thomas Partey and Jorginho both in the final few months of their contracts, midfield signings may also be sought.
But which squad numbers will be available to any potential new signings arriving in January? There is one key one in the first XI, with Arsenal currently not having a No.10. That number was vacated when Emile Smith Rowe left for Fulham in the summer.
