‘A possibility’ - Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal transfer change

Mikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal are “open” to doing business in the January transfer window.

The Gunners have stuttered in recent weeks, losing back-to-back Premier League games against West Ham United and Fulham. A club that were top of the table at Christmas are now fourth - five points behind league leaders Liverpool.

Those two clubs go head-to-head in the FA Cup this weekend knowing a win could earn them the upper hand mentally in the title race. Ahead of the clash, Arteta has rued the injuries his side have suffered in 2023-24 and hinted he may be forced to do business this month.

In previous years, the Spaniard has used the winter window to bolster his ranks ahead of the run-in. Leandro Trossard and Jorginho were bought last year yet Arsenal failed to outmuscle Manchester City for the league.

This time around, Arteta has admitted any incomings will likely be to plug gaps in the squad. Arsenal lost summer arrival Jurrien Timber on the opening day to an ACL injury while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny are away on international duty.

“Unfortunately, Jurrien (Timber) has a very long-term injury,” he said. “He’s doing really well but is still far from training with the team. It’s what we have, with Tomi (Tomiyasu) having to leave (for the Asia Cup).

“We’re open for the market, but the emphasis is on making the most of the players we have. We’ll work with the club to understand if there are any possibilities. It’s a possibility (Arsenal will sign players in January).”

Arteta also revealed Oleksandr Zinchenko is a doubt for the FA Cup clash against Liverpool. Reports have suggested the Gunners are considering signing a more defensively astute left-back, with the Ukrainian starting out as an attacking midfielder.

“He is progressing well,” the Arsenal boss added. “We have another training session tomorrow and we will evaluate whether he is available or not to play and start the game. As for the rest (of the injuries), there is no actual news.”