Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is still hopeful of adding some attacking reinforcements to his side before the end of the January transfer window.
The Gunners are in desperate need of reinforcement for the remainder of the season, given their recent injury issues.
Arsenal have been hit particularly hard in the forward ranks, where long-term injuries for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus have been costly.
As a result, January has offered a chance to strengthen, though so far it has been a bit of a quiet month of action.
That could change in the final days, not least with Mikel Arteta seemingly sending his clearest message yet to Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke.
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Mikel Arteta shows transfer need with Arsenal squad selection
Perhaps the clearest sign of intent comes from actions rather than words, which may be proven in Arsenal’s recent win over Wolves.
The victory showed the lack of depth in the squad, particularly from the bench, when substitution decisions were made.
Arteta only made two changes, with Riccardo Calafiori and Kieran Tierney both making their way into the fray.
With four left-backs, two goalkeepers and a youngster named on the bench, there was a lack of potential game-changers.
While Calafiori proved to be that in the end, the need for another attacking option or two is very clear, in what may be the clearest message to Stan Kroenke over the need for some transfer backing.
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Arsenal must back Mikel Arteta in transfer market
With not long left in the transfer market, Arsenal simply must work quickly to get some deals over the line before the deadline.
The lack of forward options after some key injuries leaves the team short on the wing and at centre-forward for the rest of the season.
While the summer may offer a better chance to get those first-choice options, January is the time to look at short-term signings.
Whether that’s someone joining on a loan or a permanent remains to be seen, but Arsenal still have a chance to make it a successful season.
There’s a mountain to climb in the Premier League, but it can be done, along with the Carabao Cup, while the Champions League remains open.
If Arsenal want to be winners this season, then further signings are needed, but not at the expense of the long-term future.
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