Mikel Arteta has signaled that Arsenal will pursue January transfers to combat a defensive injury crisis as they look to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed the Premier League leaders will be “actively looking” to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window.
The announcement follows a growing injury crisis that could leave the Gunners without four key defenders for Tuesday’s crucial match against Aston Villa.
Despite spending over £250 million on eight new players during the summer, Arteta insists the club must remain prepared to address gaps in the roster to sustain their title charge.
The North London side currently leads Manchester City by two points, but recent absences of Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, and Cristhian Mosquera have stretched the squad thin.
Arteta emphasized the necessity of recruitment, stating, “The window is there and I mean we are Arsenal and we have to be looking at it – ‘Okay, what do we need?’”
He noted that while the club aims for better player availability, they must be ready for unexpected setbacks.
Tuesday’s opponents, Aston Villa, recently ended Arsenal’s 11-match unbeaten run and sit just three points behind the leaders.
Arteta praised his predecessor Unai Emery, noting that Villa “fully deserve that credit because they are doing it on the pitch.”
Seeking redemption for a “cruel” 2-1 loss earlier this month, Arteta expressed a desire to be dominant at the Emirates, fueled by the hunger to secure Arsenal’s first league title since 2004.