Arsenal transfer news: Arteta hoping to add to squad after FA Cup defeat

Emmet Gates

• Updated: 19 May 2021 11:07 BST
• 2 min read

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta says the club are looking to add players to their squad, in the aftermath of their FA Cup exit to Southampton, and has given an update on the Martin Odegaard deal.

The Gunners lost 1-0 in the fourth round clash, thanks to an own goal from Brazilian defender Gabriel.

Speaking after the game, Arteta revealed that the club are still hoping to do some transfer business before the window shuts on February 1st.

“We’re looking in the market to see what else we can do. We’ve moved some players and we’re short in one or two positions,” Arteta told BT Sport. “We’re looking and we’ll see what we can do.”

Arsenal signed goalkeeper Maty Ryan from Brighton this week, as cover for Bernd Leno, on loan until the end of the season.

As a consequence, Alex Runarsson is likely to leave the club, only four months after joining from Dijon.

Arsenal are also in negotiations with Real Madrid for midfielder Odegaard, and Arteta gave an update on the latest developments.

“I don’t know. Obviously we played today. Since last night I don’t have any news,” said Arteta in his post-game press conference. “Probably I will get a few phone calls today and see where we are with every deal.”

Odegaard reportedly rejected an advance from Real Sociedad to return to the club in order to accept the move to England, with Arteta speaking to the player personally.

The Norwegian has struggled for playing time at Los Blancos, and has been out on loan for the past several years.

Arsenal have also been linked with Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand, as back-up to current starter Kieran Tierney.

However, it remains to be seen if the Saints will let the player leave mid-season, with the club lacking a substitute for the 31-year-old.