Mikel Arteta has admitted concerns over Viktor Gyokeres' lack of goals, as Arsenal prepare for Tuesday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa. The £64million summer signing has managed only five league goals this season and failed to score in his seventh consecutive open-play match against Brighton at the weekend.
Arteta acknowledged the issue, saying: 'Yeah [it is concerning] because we want him to score. Obviously, he had a few chances today, a few great positions and the ball didn't arrive, so... Keep insisting, it's the only way.' The Spaniard replaced Gyokeres with Gabriel Jesus during the Brighton game, who impressed.
Meanwhile, Arteta has hinted that Arsenal's ongoing injury crisis could force the club into the January transfer market. When asked about defensive reinforcements, he said: 'I don’t know. We're going to be really aware of the situation and the timescale of certain players. We’re Arsenal and we have to be actively looking, 'Okay, what do we need?' and then can we do it or not? That's a different story.'
Arsenal have been linked with AC Milan left-back Davide Bartesaghi and Juventus talent Kenan Yildiz. The Gunners currently top both the Premier League and Champions League tables, but have been winning games by narrow margins despite dominating.
Tuesday's match against Unai Emery's Aston Villa is a crucial fixture, with Villa having beaten Arsenal 1-0 earlier this month. Arteta will hope his side can be more clinical in front of goal to secure all three points.
