Mikel Arteta acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion
Mikel Arteta has suggested that Arsenal could be busy in the upcoming January transfer window
Mikel Arteta has hinted Arsenal could be active in the January transfer window, with the Gunners battling injury issues across the squad, which could see them move for several players.
The January transfer window is now just days away, and while Arsenal were active during the summer, they could also create a stir in the winter market. The Gunners splashed out approximately £250m earlier this year, boosting the options at Mikel Arteta's disposal following an injury-ravaged campaign.
Whilst injuries have hit the squad once more, the north London outfit have shown resilience thanks to their summer acquisitions. Given the depth of players at their disposal, it appeared Arsenal would have a quiet January, but Arteta cast doubt on that notion.
The boss dropped a transfer bombshell when quizzed about the January market. When pressed about potential defensive reinforcements due to injuries, he revealed: "I don't know, we're going to be aware of the situation and the timescale of certain players, if going from the front line then to the back line, but that's the depth that you need.
"When you look across the other clubs as well, they have 24, 25 squad players, and so there's nothing especially in our squad, the thing is that although we have more injuries than expected, some of them not avoidable I would say. But we want to be better and we know how important the part of having the right availability with players is going to play in this season.
"Depending, as I said, on the availability of certain players, so the window is there, I mean, we're Arsenal and we have to be looking at it, OK, 'What do we need? We have to be actively looking, and then can we do it or not, that's a different story, but our job is to be always very prepared because something can happen, so hopefully very positive."
With that in mind, here's a look at some potential targets Arsenal could pursue in the January transfer window to strengthen their squad depth.
Jeremy Jacquet of Rennes and teammates celebrate the victory following the Ligue 1 McDonald's football match between Paris FC and Stade Rennais FC1 of 8
Jeremy Jacquet
Jeremy Jacquet of Rennes and teammates celebrate the victory following the Ligue 1 McDonald's football match between Paris FC and Stade Rennais FC
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur2 of 8
Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur
Stankovic Aleksandar midfielder of Club Brugge celebrates the win during the Jupiler Pro League match between KRC Genk and Club Brugge5 of 8
Aleksandar Stankovic
Midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic is impressing during his time at Club Brugge, following his move from Inter Milan. The youngster could offer some midfield cover for Arsenal, while he has plenty of room to grow further. (Image:( Photo by Gregory Van Gansen / Photonews via Getty Images))
Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona6 of 8
Davide Bartesaghi
Given Arsenal's injury troubles, they could turn to a player like Davide Bartesaghi in the transfer market. The AC Milan youngster has enjoyed a breakthrough season, featuring at left-back and centre-back. He is an ideal profile for Mikel Arteta, capable of providing cover while offering quality for the future. (Image:(Photo by Alberto Gandolfo/BSR Agency/Getty Images))