Arteta says Arsenal ‘have to be actively looking’ in January transfer window
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An injury crisis at the Emirates Stadium has seen a once healthy advantage cut, with Manchester City nipping at their heels.
And that means Arteta will attempt to bring in some reinforcements – as long as he can find the right player.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Unai Emery’s Villans, Arteta said: “The window is there and we are Arsenal and we have to be looking at it – ‘Okay, what do we need?'”
“And we have to be actively looking and then, whether we can do it or not, that’s a different story.
“But our job is to always be very prepared because something can happen, so hopefully, it’ll be very positive.”
That match came at a cost though, with defender Riccardo Calafiori – originally named in the starting XI – limping out during the warm-up.
After the match, Arteta described the injury as “awkward,” with the Italian joining a treatment room that already includes some key players.
Jurrien Timber also missed the Brighton match, with Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera out of action since early December. On top of that, Kai Havertz last featured in August due to a knee issue.
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“When you look across the other clubs, they have 24 or 25 squad players,” Arteta continued.
“Although we have had more injuries than expected, some of them not avoidable, we want to be better and we know how important the part of having the right availability with players is going to be this season.”
After Tuesday’s clash with Villa, Arsenal travel to Bournemouth on Saturday, before taking on champions Liverpool at the Emirates on January 8.
Arsenal are looking to win their first league title since Arsene Wenger’s famous “Invincibles” team of 2003-04.
