‘I fully trust’ – Mikel Arteta sends clear transfer message to Arsenal players before January window

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faced the media ahead of the Gunners EFL Cup clash with Crystal Palace.

As Arsenal prepare to battle Crystal Palace for a spot in the semi-final of the EFL Cup, Arteta will be eager to solve several pressing issues.

Arsenal’s lack of attacking spark has been spoken about heavily in recent weeks, particularly after the Gunners drew 0-0 with Everton. 

Having sent a statement out in the previous two rounds in the cup, Arteta can right his wrongs against Palace on Wednesday night, with a lot riding on the fixture.

• READ MORE: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: EFL Cup TV channel, live stream details, team news and more

Mikel Arteta hints at January transfer plans

When addressing the media ahead of the cup clash, it was inevitable that Arteta was going to be quizzed on Arsenal’s problems going forward.

The Gunners haven’t scored from open play in their previous three Premier League fixtures, scoring from set-pieces against Manchester United and Fulham.

Against Palace, the hosts will be eager to put doubts over their attacking prowess to bed but, for now, Arteta must keep answering the dreaded questions. 

Ahead of facing the Eagles, one journalist asked if the Gunners’ front line will be bolstered in the upcoming January transfer window, to which the Arsenal manager responded clearly.

“I fully trust the squad and our players,” Arteta said.

“The amount we generate in the match and how little we concede I fully trust my players.”

Arteta was sent a transfer message against Monaco, as the manager of the French side commented on the amount of chances the Gunners missed.

The evidence is there for the Spaniard to realise that there must be some consideration to strengthen his attacking options however, the boss seems to think otherwise.

Arteta has faith in his players despite criticism

In what is a rather sticky patch for the North Londoners, Arteta has been exposed to a mass of criticism regarding the Gunners’ one-dimensional approach.

Part of this is due to a lack of attacking depth, which leaves Arsenal behind Liverpool in the title race according to Alan Shearer.

Still, Arteta stands by the way his players approach games, emphasising the trust he has in his squad during the press conference. 

“When you score five goals and three you’re not going to talk about it. That’s normal. For us it doesn’t change. We want to score three or five. Even though we didn’t score on Saturday we want to do better.”

The real response will be on the pitch, starting with Arsenal’s upcoming double meeting with Palace in the EFL Cup and then the Premier League.