Mikel Arteta has reiterated Arsenal's need for strikers in the January transfer window and confirmed the Gunners have identified potential targets.
Injuries have increased pressure on Arteta to enter the transfer market, with the Gunners without Bukayo Saka until at least March and sidelining Gabriel Jesus for the season.
Internal talks at Arsenal have continued over the recruitment of a striker, with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and Wolves Captain Matheus Cunha two of the names linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Although Arteta was reluctant to talk about individual goals ahead of his side's Premier League clash with Wolves on Saturday, the Gunners boss revealed work continues behind the scenes to bring in a striker to support Kai Havertz, Gabriel in January Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
“Have I ever said no to a striker?” Arteta said when asked about Arsenal's need to sign a striker by Sky Sports News' Jamie Weir.
“We have lost two very important players in Saka and Jesus. We lack goals and options up front, it is clear.
“If we can get the right player, those are what we are actively looking at.
'Every player? No. Someone who makes us better and has an impact on the team. For the period that we lost those players, we need some help because we are short.
“The team is still dealing with that, but we have to do what is right for the club.”
Asked if Arsenal have identified any potential targets, Arteta replied: “Yes.”
More to follow…
Has Arteta changed his number?
Sky Sports News reporter Jamie Weir in London Colney:
“There has been so much external noise around Arsenal that they simply need to sign a striker – or at least a forward option – this month to keep any dwindling hopes of winning the title alive.
“Until today, Mikel Arteta seemed to imply that while he would like to do that, he didn't feel it was an absolute necessity.
“That changed this morning as an uncharacteristically on-edge Arteta openly admitted that they need to sign a striker this month given the loss of both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.
“Another interesting observation to come out of his press conference this morning was that the players themselves feel the squad needs to be strengthened and Arteta is consulting the players when it comes to potential signings.
“He says their input regarding the personalities and characters of players they may be able to bring in is 'invaluable'.”
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