Mikel Arteta speaks out on Arsenal’s January transfer plans

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta today faced the press after recovering from COVID and discussed different topics including transfer plans.

Ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie with Nottingham Forest, Arteta talked about Arsenal’s transfer plans and admitted the shortage of options in central midfield.

“We are going to move and we are going to look for options because we are very short there.” Arteta said in the pre-match press conference.

The Gunners are set to be without Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny for at least three weeks with their involvement at the AFCON while Ainsley Maitland-Niles has joined Roma on loan.

Arteta is left with Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga as the two senior central midfielders. Reports have stated that Xhaka could be out having not been pictured in training.

Charlie Patino is set for his first start for the senior team. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Calum Chambers and Benjamin White could be utilized in central midfield while U23 stars Charlie Patino and Salah-Eddine could be the last resorts.

Arteta however remained coy on transfers reports linking Arsenal with a move for a striker, Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak in particular.

“We have a really special situation in that position because obviously you are talking about three players with different issues at the moment.” Arteta responded when asked whether a striker could be signed this transfer window.

“We have to live with that and so far the players that are here are fully committed. With Flo, we will see in the next week or so what is the final decision on that, but for the rest, there is nothing that is new and we’re going to have to live with that until the end of the season.”

Bruno Guimarães situation. OL won’t accept less than €45m fee to sell Bruno in January – definitely not easy. OL are also offering him a new deal until 2026 but there’s no agreement yet. 🇧🇷 #OL

Arsenal are following him since long time – there’s still nothing for Jan window.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2022

Arsenal continue to be linked with Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic as well as Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.