Mikel Arteta ask reporters about January transfer window plans

• Gunners not expecte to actively pursue players this month
• Signings haven’t been ruled out if opportunities present themselves

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that the club remains “very alert” to the transfer market this month but isn’t looking to actively recruit.

The Gunners have been dealt a tough hand this season by persistent injury problems, denting their Premier League title hopes. It appeared to ease after the November international break, but fresh problems including the losses of Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri have hit the squad again.

On top of that, a seasonal illness has swept through ทางเข้า ufabet the group in recent weeks, worst affecting Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard but claiming plenty of others.

Even so, Arteta says the priority in January is continuing to work with the existing players.

“That hasn’t changed – again the focus is our player[s],” Arteta respond. When asked about the possibility of new faces joining the club.

“Whatever is in the market, we’re very alert, but the priority is working with the players. That we have at the moment and [Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday]. Which is a big night for us.

Arsenal have struggled for depth at the back this season due to various absences. Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu being sidelined has left Jurrien Timber the only available right-back. Which in turn has forced Thomas Partey to drop back from midfield to occasionally cover.