Mikel Arteta fires subtle dig at Edu Gaspar in revelation about Arsenal’s summer transfers

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has displayed a sense of urgency regarding the January transfer window.

After excessive injuries leading to key absences, Arteta has pleaded for Arsenal to sign a new forward. 

The Arsenal boss has not always been as open about his transfer desires in the past, signalling just how short the Gunners are in attack.

Now falling behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race, Arsenal’s lack of depth in attack has become a frequent talking point, putting pressure on the January window. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal are prepared to make a major signing this January – but on one condition

Mikel Arteta aims subtle dig at Edu Gaspar in Arsenal transfer revelation

Arteta ‘fully trusts’ his Arsenal squad but, there’s no denying that the manager needs a bit of help right now. 

Arsenal fans sent a message to Josh Kroenke regarding the need for January signings amid injuries however, the urgency hasn’t stemmed from the Gunners’ casualties over the winter period. 

That’s according to Arteta himself, who in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, suggested that his team has been short of depth since 2023/24. 

“We started the season with a very low number of players and, unfortunately, we have had many injuries, some very important ones as well,” Arteta said.

By stating that Arsenal ‘started the season’ with limited numbers, Arteta sent a subtle dig to former sporting director Edu Gaspar, who joined forces with the Spaniard to combat the transfer windows. 

By Arteta’s understanding, his squad started the campaign on the back foot, which could be credited to the mistakes made in the summer market by Edu and others within the club’s hierarchy.

“If we can give oxygen to the team, perfect, and if not, as until now, we will get by with what we have,” he continued, referring to new signings as ‘oxygen’ for his breathless squad.

• READ MORE: Edu could sabotage Arsenal transfer for ‘incredible’ striker as director makes move

Summer transfer window was a disaster at Arsenal 

Hindsight is a wonderful thing but, it’s arguable that time to reflect wasn’t necessary to label Arsenal’s work in the summer a failure.

After missing out to Manchester City in the title race last season, many expected the Gunners to recruit in attack in the summer, which never happened. 

Alan Shearer claimed Arsenal would win the league if a striker was signed.

One wasn’t and Arteta’s side are starting to lose sight of the title, sitting six points and a game in hand behind Liverpool.

The fine margins in the summer have left the squad rather bare in crucial areas, with fingers pointed at Edu and other members of the club’s hierarchy for not sufficiently supporting the project.