Mikel Arteta has hinted at the possibility of Arsenal signing no players in the January transfer window.
Arsenal need to bolster multiple areas of their squad to seriously challenge for the Premier League title.
Throughout this campaign, left-back has been a problem position for the Gunners.
Jurrien Timber’s long-term injury on the opening day against Nottingham Forest perhaps foreshadowed what was to come.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has played there for the majority of the campaign but he’s struggling to find form himself while Takehiro Tomiyasu has been injured and Jakub Kiwior isn’t comfortable in that role.
After Kieran Tierney said no to being recalled from his loan spell at Real Sociedad, investment is certainly needed in that area.
Arteta also needs extra depth in central midfield and more firepower upfront.
A long-term partner for Declan Rice is desirable while a quality striker is needed to help Gabriel Jesus who has only scored three Premier League goals.
Despite all of those pressing issues and previously saying he “needs players” to aid the club’s title challenge, Arteta has now said there’s a possibility he may not add to his squad in the transfer window.
Mikel Arteta may sign no new players in January
When asked about whether the club could end January without any further incomings, Arteta told Sky Sports: “That’s a possbility.”
He added: “Unfortunately, Jurrien has a very long-term injury. He’s doing really well but is still far from training with the team.
“It’s what we have, with Tomi having to leave. We’re open for the transfer market, but the emphasis is of making the most of the players we have.
“We’ll work with the club to understand if there are any possibilities, and whether we have any good options. But first of all, we will focus on the players we already have.”
No signings in January can cost Arsenal the title
If Arsenal end the transfer window without signing a single player, it would be a disaster.
After losing back to back games for only the second time this season, the warning signs are already there for the Gunners, who seriously need to strengthen in this window.
While it isn’t possible to unload a war chest of funds on a world-class striker, they must address their glaring problem at left-back and provide depth to their midfield.
It has been proven in the past that teams can win the league without having a clinical scorer.
But it usually isn’t possible with a defence that needs patching up.
Therefore, cover in the full-back areas is pivotal if Arsenal are to challenge Liverpool and Manchester City for the title.
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