Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal plan to make January signings

Carlo Garganese

• 14 Jan 2025 04:30 CST
• 4 min read

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal plan to make signings during the January transfer window in an attempt to improve the squad.

Arteta has come under heavy criticism after a dismal past week in the English cup competitions.

The Gunners are on the brink of elimination from the League Cup after losing 2-0 at home to Newcastle in the first leg of their semi final last Tuesday.

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Then, on Sunday, Arsenal were beaten on penalties at the Emirates by Manchester United after a 1-1 draw despite playing an hour with an extra man.

In both games, Arsenal missed a host of chances and there have been angry calls from supporters to sign a natural number nine in the January transfer window.

Arteta has now conceded that Arsenal will look to do business before the window closes.

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What did Arteta say?

"We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad, that has been the same since day one,” Arteta said.

“We are looking, we are trying. Let’s see what we are able to do."

There have been calls for a number of years now for Arsenal to sign a top-class striker, something that Arteta has continuously resisted doing.

Indeed, for the last year, he has played Kai Havertz as a false 9 but the German has lost his form in recent months and missed two sitters - and a penalty in the shootout - against Man Utd.

The suspected ACL injury suffered by Gabriel Jesus during the United game has only added to the requirement to sign a striker.

There are growing reports that Arsenal will make a big push to sign Dusan Vlahovic this month.

FootballTransfers reported on Monday that Arsenal have made a first bid for the Juventus striker but have had their loan offer rejected by the Serie A giants.

Juventus are open to offloading Vlahovic this month but will only do so if it is an outright sale, or at the very least a loan with an obligation to buy.

Arteta’s comments will suggest that Arsenal could make a new offer for Vlahovic.

Arsenal are next in action on Wednesday in the north London derby at the Emirates in the Premier League.

It is a must-win game for the Gunners as they are now six points behind leaders Liverpool having played a game more.