‘Exploring’ – Mikel Arteta hints at Arsenal transfer solution with double loan recall possibility

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Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal are exploring various different options in the transfer window to solve their attacking depth issues.

The Gunners have suffered in recent matches without the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, with the attack not functioning effectively.

Saka will be out until March after undergoing hamstring surgery, while Jesus is out for upwards of nine months with an ACL injury.

This leaves Arteta’s offensive cohort short, and thus the North London club are being linked with a host of players.

However, with time running out in the transfer window, Arsenal may be forced to look further afield for a resolution to their problems.

Mikel Arteta hints at Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira recalls

Arsenal dropped two points against Aston Villa, a result that sees them slip further behind Liverpool.

The Gunners are six points adrift of the Merseysiders, who have a game in hand.

While Arteta’s team started well in the clash with Unai Emery’s side at the Emirates, they faded massively in the second half as the attacking players tired.

This has only exacerbated the cries for reinforcements to arrive in N5, something Arteta appears to acknowledge.

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta reveals huge William Saliba injury boost amid double return for Champions League

However, when quizzed on the potential solution being recalls for loanees Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira in his press conference on Tuesday afternoon, the Spaniard didn’t rule this out.

“There were certain possibilities with the Fabio situation,” Arteta said.

“We are exploring all the things that we can do, just in case we cannot do them, as well how the injuries are progressing and when we’re going to have them available, so we are aware of everything.”

Nelson has been out of action for Fulham since November after suffering a thigh injury, and has started just five Premier League games for the Cottagers this season.

Meanwhile, Vieira has made ten league appearances for Porto this campaign, and has begun to showcase his talents with his boyhood club with a string of impressive performances before the winter break.

Arsenal should recall Fabio Vieira

Regardless of whether Arsenal make a signing this month, Arteta should recall Vieira.

Martin Odegaard’s form has dipped in recent weeks, but Arteta has been unable to give the Norwegian the rest he needs due to a lack of alternatives and Ethan Nwaneri’s injury.

While Vieira isn’t near Odegaard’s level, he has demonstrated his creative abilities in the past and would certainly provide Arteta with a genuine option in the right eight position.

The Portuguese can also be deployed on the right-wing in Saka’s absence, so recalling him to add depth would be a smart way to bolster a threadbare and fatigued squad.