Mikel Arteta hoping for more Arsenal transfer business before close of January window

PREMIER LEAGUE Mikel Arteta hoping for more Arsenal transfer business before close of January window

David Ben 07:59 - 26.01.2023

The Gunners coach has enjoyed an impressive campaign with the league leaders so far this season.

Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal need more signings and could still be forced to do more business before the close of the January transfer market following an injury to midfielder Mohamed Elneny.

The Gunners coach said there are ‘concerns’ over Elneny’s knee problem, suffered in training before this month’s North London derby clash which the Emirates outfit won convincingly.

 'If there's anything else available that can make us better we'll look at it… we need some more cover in midfield ideally if we can. 

'In this market it's pretty complicated to do that. The most important thing is that we get the performances and the time on the pitch that we need with the players we have available today that are already really good.' Arteta was quoted to have told Arseblog.

Mikel Arteta wants a backup for Egypt international Mohamed Elneny this January
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Arteta didn’t comment on the timeline for Elneny’s arrival, but the Gunners midfield might have to make do without a backup in midfield for now.

However, without Elneny, Albert Sambi Lokonga is the only regular back up to Thomas Partey in holding midfield. 

Arsenal’s reported midfield targets

Arsenal have already signed Leandro Trossard from Brighton for £21 million and Spezia centre back Jakub Kiwior for £17.5m, who has experience playing in defensive midfield.

Trossard could make his first start when they face Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday night.

Declan Rice has been consistently good for West Ham this season

West Ham’s Declan Rice has already emerged as Arsenal's top target this summer, with Arteta reportedly prepared to break the club's transfer record to sign the England international.

Youri Tielemans of Leicester City during the Premier League match at the King Power Stadium on October 3, 2022.
Chelsea keen on Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo
Chelsea are also keen on Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo
Everton's Amadou Onana (R)

The Gunners have also been linked with a number of stars this month including Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans, Brighton’s Moses Caicedo who Chelsea are also keen on this January, and even Everton’s Amadou Onana.

It remains to be seen if Arsenal will do more business before the close of the winter transfer window but Arteta will no doubt be more than happy to improve his squad if they are to maintain their title charge this season.

Arteta set for Guardiola reunion in FA Cup

Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola

The Gunners have been in blistering form this season in the Premier League sitting five points clear of second-placed Man City on the summit, with the second-half of the season already underway.

Mikel Arteta’s men return to action against their coach’s former employers Manchester City in the fourth round of the English FA cup on Friday, January 27, 2023 at the Etihad Stadium.

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