Arsenal 'unlikely to give Mikel Arteta January transfer funds'

Mikel Arteta will reportedly not be given any transfer funds by the Arsenal hierarchy for the January window.

The Gunners enjoyed a busy summer transfer window, spending a total of £137m on five new players - including a club record sum for Nicolas Pepe.

Arteta, who claimed his first victory as boss against Manchester United on New Year's Day, has previously indicated that he would like to add to his squad in January.

However, according to Sky Sports News, it is highly probable that Arteta will not receive financial backing in this window due to the club's considerable outlay over the summer.

Reports have claimed that Arsenal are keen on signing a defender, with Daniele Rugani and Merih Demiral recently mentioned as targets.

Other sources have suggested that the North London club want to complete a deal for struggling Atletico Madrid forward Thomas Lemar.