Mikel Arteta has suggested Arsenal will explore the ‘opportunity to strengthen the team’ in the January transfer window.
Arsenal have had a mixed start to the season and currently sit third in the Premier League table. A draw at Fulham at the weekend leaves the Gunners six points behind leaders Liverpool, having played a game more.
In Europe, Arsenal are 10th in the Champions League standings but will move back into the top eight with a win against Monaco on Wednesday evening.
Arsenal have been linked with signing a recognised centre-forward in the upcoming transfer windows. Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka are the club’s joint-leading scorers in the Premier League this season with just five goals each.
Despite leading the league for set-piece goals, Arsenal have also scored only 15 goals from open play – the seventh-highest total in the Premier League.
Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with the French side, Arteta said the January transfer window represents an opportunity to improve his options. However, the Spaniard said the North Londoners will only invest if they feel additions are ‘needed’.
“The window gives us an opportunity to strengthen the team,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.
“This only if we feel that is needed and we feel that we have the capacity to do that as well.”
One player Arsenal are not looking to offload, however, is Gabriel Jesus. The striker has struggled for form this season but Arteta insisted the 27-year-old remains a part of his plans.
“Like all strikers, they go on phases and moments and that gap is becoming big. It’s true that obviously a lot of things has happened, injuries, absences of not playing or starting games that much but his attitude has been really good, it always is, and we’re going to try to help him overcome the situation as soon as possible.”
Asked if Arsenal are willing to let him go in January, he added: “No, no sense.”
