“We can only win Premier League this season if happens”: Mikel Arteta made urgent transfer requests from the club’s board or they should forget about winning Premier League title
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s readiness for the January transfer window means the club won’t making panic buys as a result of the injuries affecting his squad.
The Gunners are tipped to strengthen their attacking options after losing Bukayo Saka to a long-term injury but it sounds like their list of targets has been in place for some time and won’t be affected by the sudden departure of Sporting Director Edu in November.
While he’s confidence of avoiding kneejerk decisions he did make clear that there’s always an element of risk when recruiting players.
“I think if we panic means that we are not prepared,” he said ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brighton.
“And a big thing is preparation. And when you are well prepared, your decisions will be better, they will be very well processed.
“And then it will be the thing whether when we decide to sign a player, does he perform, yes or no? And that’s a good decision or a bad decision after that.
“The preparation is done for sure and we are ready if we have to do something. But we know as well that we have an excellent squad and with players available we can compete with any team.”
Having formed a close bond with Edu over the last five years, it’s clear Arteta is still getting used to life without the Brazilian with whom he forged a strong bond.
The Gunners are expected to take their time before announcing a full time successor to the Sporting Director position, for the timebeing, Jason Ayto has been trusted with the role on an interim basis.
“It’s different,” admitted Arteta when asked about life with Edu.
“I’m so used to doing things with Edu, but Jason was part of that team, a big part of that team. He’s in charge. He’s in full charge right now and we have great communication. We are talking every day and we are prepared.
“The good thing about that is that neither Jason [Ayto] or I or Rich [Garlick] or Tim [Lewis], the owner, has to convince any players. The players want to come to Arsenal because what Arsenal is and how Arsenal is perceived and that’s a massive bonus.”
In the last few days, Arsenal have been linked with various players including Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo and Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush. We’ve also learned that Kieran Tierney is negotiating a possible return to Celtic.
