EPL: Arsenal need striker to bolster title challenge – Arteta

Mikel Arteta stated on Friday that Arsenal are actively seeking to sign a striker, admitting they “lack options” as the January transfer window nears its close.

Serious injuries to forwards Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka have heightened concerns over Arsenal’s goal-scoring capabilities as they strive to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The Gunners remain the only club in the Premier League’s top six without a player in double figures for goals this season — Kai Havertz leads with just eight league goals.

Arteta addressed the need for reinforcements ahead of Arsenal’s visit to struggling Wolves on Saturday.

“We’ve lost two very, very important players, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, so we lack goals, we lack personnel, we lack options in the front line. It’s clear,” Arteta said.

“If we can get the right player, that’s what we are actively looking for. Any player? No — someone who makes us better and has an impact on the team.”

He added: “Ideally, we need some help because we were already short, and now we’re even shorter, but the team is still coping. We have to do what’s right for the club.”

The transfer window closes at 23:00 GMT on February 3.

Arteta also reflected on his side’s progress, stating they had improved since the start of the season. Despite finishing as runners-up to Manchester City for the past two seasons, he believes Arsenal are realistic title contenders to Liverpool, who currently lead the league by six points with a game in hand.

Last weekend, Liverpool scored twice in added time to beat Brentford, while Arsenal squandered a 2-0 lead against Aston Villa.

“The margins are really, really small,” Arteta said. “You could see how things could have gone last weekend. The turning points are minimal, and the gap could look very different.

“We have to be at our best, do what’s within our control, and remember there’s still a long, long way to go.”

AFP