Mikel Arteta sends Arsenal transfer dig after failing to sign a striker in January transfer window

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Arsenal were unable to secure a forward signing before the January transfer window closed, much to the frustration of Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners are light in attacking areas, with Bukayo Saka out until March with a hamstring injury and Gabriel Jesus out for the season with an ACL issue.

A host of players were linked with a switch to the Emirates, including the likes of Ollie Watkins, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.

However, the North Londoners failed to get a deal over the line, and will now have to cope with limited options up front for the remainder of the season.

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Mikel Arteta shares thoughts on Arsenal’s transfer window

Arsenal fans were furious about the club’s lack of activity in the transfer market, with many expressing concern over the lack of depth in the forward-line.

However, Arsenal had their reasons for not making a signing, including not wanting to scupper their summer plans.

Expanding on these reasons, Arteta revealed his thoughts on the transfer situation.

Speaking in his press conference on Tuesday afternoon, the Spaniard said: “We had a clear intention which is always that there is a window open to explore the opportunities to improve our squad with players that can impact it.

“We haven’t achieved it, so we are disappointed in that sense.”

Despite his clear frustration with the window, Arteta did acknowledge that the club weren’t keen on doing anything rash in the market.

He said: “But as well, we are very aware that we only want to bring certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that as well and I think that we were.”

The manager added: “”We’re going to have to be very flexible in the front line and the ones we have on their feet have to keep contributing.

“Leo [Trossard] can play in that position, Raheem [Sterling] has played in that position, Ethan [Nwaneri] I think can play in that position, Martinelli can play there. So let’s see in relation to how everyone is with moment, opponent, but we’re going to have to try something.”

Arsenal should’ve gambled on Mathys Tel

Mathys Tel was a target for Arsenal, but the Gunners ultimately decided that the Bayern Munich man wasn’t ready to play a significant role for the club.

The Frenchman ended up joining rivals Tottenham on an initial loan deal with an option to buy.

While Tel is certainly still raw, his acquisition would’ve made Arsenal better, providing Arteta with an alternative to Kai Havertz centrally and with an additional option off the left.

Scoring ten goals across all competitions for Bayern last season, the 19-year-old has demonstrated a capacity to produce at a high level when given the minutes.

Arsenal now have to hope that Havertz remains fit, with Tel certainly a missed opportunity for the Gunners to find cover and competition for the German.