Mikel Arteta has again reiterated that the size of his Arsenal squad is a concern with the January transfer window having just opened. The Gunners brought in Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori as their permanent signings in the summer with Raheem Sterling and Neto also joining on loan.
The likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson were among those to move on and the departure of three senior attackers – without clearly replacing them – has now appeared to come back and bite Arsenal. Because of a hamstring injury, Bukayo Saka looks set to be absent for the next few months.
Sterling has also missed action recently which has required Arteta to conjure up several solutions which might be rather difficult, considering his recent admission. “I think [having to deal with Saka’s absence will make me a better coach],” he told reporters last December.
Though Sterling is expected back sooner than expected, Arteta was handed two fresh blows before the Brentford clash and while neither players are longer-term concerns, he again appeared to send a subtle transfer hint to those above him.
