Mikel Arteta has warned there is no guarantee that Arsenal will be able to strengthen as hoped before the end of the transfer window. The Gunners have brought in Bruno Guimaraes as their big signing so far this summer for £75million from Newcastle, while also adding Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis to the squad.
Transfer targets and injuries
The club remain keen to secure another forward, particularly on the left wing, and there are plans to reinforce on the right of defence with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba out injured. However, time is running out for the Gunners and the start of the Premier League season is just nine days away.
The options for a marquee signing in attack have also diminished. Vinicius Junior opted to stay at Real Madrid, while the likes of Morgan Rogers, Yan Diomande and Anthony Gordon moved elsewhere.
Arteta's admission
Arteta insisted that Arsenal's desire to do further business in the final weeks of the window is "unquestionable", but admitted that might not be enough.
"Well, there is more that we want to do because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth to the squad, we need to do that," Arteta said. "We are actively trying to do so. The thing in the market, it doesn't just depend on you and we are very clear on that.
"But the approach, the will and the desire of the club, that's unquestionable and we want to try to do that. But we cannot promise that we're going to do it because, as I said, it doesn't only depend on us."
Challenges in the market
Arsenal were willing to go all in to bring Vinicius to north London, putting together a huge financial package and presenting themselves as an appealing destination for the Brazilian. While Vinicius is understood to have been attracted by the possibility of joining the Gunners, his preference was always to stay at Real Madrid.
The challenge for Arsenal is now to find a player that is both available and will significantly raise the standards in attack. "That's the demands," Arteta said. "I think for the margins to improve, there are very few players in the market that are available to do that and bring that to the club. But again, we are actively looking to improve that and we're going to try."
