Mikel Arteta has expressed disappointment over Arsenal's failure to make any signings in the January transfer window, leaving the club short of attacking options for the remainder of the season. The Arsenal manager had sought to bring in reinforcements to cover for injured stars Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, but a £40m bid for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins was rejected, and interest in Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel was not pursued, with the forward joining Tottenham on loan instead.
Arteta acknowledged that the lack of activity strengthens Arsenal's financial position for the summer, when they are expected to target RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. However, he admitted that further injuries could leave the squad stretched. 'We had a clear intention to explore opportunities to improve our squad,' Arteta said. 'We haven't achieved it, so we are disappointed.'
The manager insisted the situation is not a gamble but a reality that requires flexibility. 'We're going to have to be very flexible in the front line,' he said, noting that Kai Havertz is the only recognised centre-forward. Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and young Ethan Nwaneri could also fill in. Arteta praised Havertz's fitness record, saying he feels better when playing every three days.
Arsenal face a 2-0 deficit against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday. After a 5-1 thrashing of Manchester City, Arteta believes momentum is on their side. 'We come from very strong performances,' he said. 'It's the moment to go full gas and try to win that final.'
