Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that his club will be “active” in the next transfer market. European teams can resume player transfers from January 1st. The Gunners will need to take a hard look at new players following some bad injury news within the club.
Star striker Gabriel Jesus suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup with Brazil. The 25-year-old center forward has been a mainstay in Arteta’s starting XI so far this season. There have been rumors that Jesús could be sidelined until February, but Arteta did not confirm these reports.
“I never gave a date, so those are not the words I used, and I have not used any words at this time,” the coach said during a press conference. “I said we don’t know, it will take some time for sure. Obviously, he’s going to have surgery, so that’s the extent of the injury.”
Arteta says Arsenal will be active in January
However, Arteta promised to be active in January. “We will be in the market, always active,” Arteta proclaimed. “That’s what I said and we will evaluate the biggest opportunities we have.”
“We are going to be active, and being active means always seeking to strengthen the team. This team still can’t afford not to maximize every window and we have to because it’s really important. But then we want to get the right profile, the right player and a player that will really impact the team and take us to the next level.”
Gunners need to add to a lean squad
Arsenal will most likely look to strengthen the squad anyway, but injuries to Jesus and Reiss Nelson will likely ameliorate these needs. The Gunners are currently at the top of the Premier League at the moment and could use reinforcements to help keep the momentum going.
Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk has been linked to Arsenal for months. The 21-year-old star has been brilliant in the Ukrainian League and the Champions League this season. In fact, he already has 10 goals and eight assists between both competitions. However, it will take a massive offer to lure the youngster away from Donetsk.
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