Mikel Arteta has admitted he 'cannot promise' any more Arsenal signings this summer, insisting there are only 'very few players' who can improve his squad. The comments come after the Premier League champions missed out on Vinicius Junior, who extended his contract with Real Madrid earlier this month.
Pre-season friendly against Como
Arsenal drew 1-1 with Como in their latest pre-season friendly at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, but beat Cesc Fabregas' side in the penalty shootout. Bruno Guimaraes made his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt following his £75 million move from Newcastle United, while £34m summer signing Christos Tzolis was given more pre-season minutes.
Transfer market challenges
Arsenal remain in the market for defensive cover following William Saliba's back injury, while the club are still looking to strengthen Arteta's attacking options. Speaking after the friendly against Como, Arteta warned that the closing stages of the summer transfer window will be a difficult time to bring in further signings.
'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. 'But 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, again, it doesn't only depend on us.
'For the margins to improve there are very few players in the market who are available to do that and bring that to the club. But again, we are actively looking to improve that and we are going to try.'
Lewis-Skelly speculation
Arteta also refused to address speculation over Myles Lewis-Skelly's future after his links with Chelsea and Manchester United this week. Lewis-Skelly scored Arsenal's goal in the first half against Como and celebrated by making the shape of a heart with his hands towards the crowd at the Emirates.
'I'm not going to talk about any speculation,' Arteta said. 'If there is a speculation about our players, that's a good sign. That means that we attract attention and they're doing a good job.'
