Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are ‘still looking at options in the transfer market’

Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa, Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal’s early season injury issues mean that they are still active in the transfer market.
Mikel Arteta celebrates Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Aston VillaMikel Arteta celebrates Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa
Mikel Arteta celebrates Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa

Having already lost Thomas Partey before the Fulham game, the Gunners are now without Mohamed Elneny — while Martin Odegaard was also taken off against Villa with a knock.

On the situation, Arteta said: “He [Odegaard] got a bad kick and it’s swollen. It’s still unclear how bad it is.

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“It’s bad news [on Elneny]. It looks like he’s going to be out for quite some time. His injury changes things because Thomas [Partey] is also injured. We are looking at options in the market and to see if the right opportunity comes up. We were quite well covered in that position [centre midfield] but now we’re quite thin.”

The Arsenal boss also admitted that the recent injuries have also shaken up his initial plans for the Europa League, which begins in just over a week’s time. When asked if he’d already been thinking about how he would balance the squad when the competition starts, he admitted:

“Yes, I’ve thought about it. But then things like the injuries to Thomas and Mo happened. You have to deal with what you’ve got on the day and we will try to give opportunities to everyone.”

Despite the frustration at losing key players so early into the campaign, Arteta has every reason to be pleased after the Gunners recorded their 5th consecutive win out of their opening 5 fixtures.

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“I’m really happy”, he said. “We have a lot of things still to improve but the way we dominated, the energy we played with is really pleasing.”

A key feature of his team this season has been their quick responses to conceding goals. They did so twice against Leicester in their opening home game of the season and they did so tonight — not to forget also coming from behind to beat Fulham at the weekend.

“This is the mentality we want to show. Giving away the ball, conceding goals, it happens in football. But what’s important is the next moments. [Responding quickly to conceding] is another tool that we’re working on and trying to improve. It’s a really powerful tool.”

The Spaniard is also encouraged by Arsenal’s improved potency in front of goal this season.

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“The most difficult thing in football is scoring goals. We had some big, big chances that we didn’t score. I think Martinelli’s goal was a really difficult technique. I think we’re getting much better at it.”