Arteta: Arsenal want to strengthen squad in January

2022-12-23 13:12

Arteta: Arsenal want to strengthen squad in January

Premier League leaders Arsenal will aim to bolster their squad for the January transfer window but must identify players with the right quality, manager Mikel Arteta said on Thursday .


The Gunners head into the World Cup break with five points after 14 games but will be without long-term injury victim Gabriel Jesus after the Brazil striker underwent surgery in Qatar on a knee problem.

" We will be active (in the January window), which means we want to strengthen the squad , " Arteta told reporters ahead of West Ham's visit on December 26 .

" This team still doesn't have the luxury of maxing out every window. But it has to be the right players.

" We know where we are in terms of squad and numbers. We'll be very careful about what we want to do in the window. "

 

Losing Rice Nelson is a huge blow

Arteta: Arsenal want to strengthen squad in January


Winger Reiss Nelson could be sidelined for some time with a hamstring problem, while attacking midfielder Emil Smith Roe is on the verge of returning from a groin injury .


" For Gabi, it's difficult to set a timetable. Knowing him, I'd rather not give any dates, " Arteta added.

" With Rice , he's going to be out for a while. Emile is close. He's had a setback but he's close. "

France centre-back William Saliba will also miss the game as he is yet to return from international duty.