Transfer Centre

Mikel Arteta calls for Arsenal signings "as quick as possible"

By Ben Sully | 26 December 2022

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta urges the club to make signings "as quick as possible", as he looks to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has urged the club to make signings "as quick as possible" when the transfer window opens in January.

After starting the season in fine form, the Gunners went into the World Cup break as Premier League leaders with a five-point cushion over Manchester City.

However, Arsenal were dealt a blow when Gabriel Jesus suffered a knee injury at the 2022 World Cup, which has resulted in speculation that a forward could be signed in January.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's home meeting with West Ham United on Boxing Day, Arteta has stressed the need for the club to act quickly in a bid to strengthen the squad.

"We knew the importance of getting players early in the summer and that is the same we want to do in January," he told reporters.

"This is idealistic. Sometimes it is not realistic. But obviously, if you ask my opinion, [we need players] as quick as possible, we want the players in to get settled.

"We can get a striker I can guarantee you that. But what we can not afford to do is get a player here that is not for us.

"We don't need a body, we need players that make the team better. I think personalities that have the mentality that we want to win.

"We are very aligned with the players we are looking for. Whether they are possible or affordable, the timing of it, depends on so many things that are out of my control. The theory says that it is a very tricky window."

After facing the Hammers on Boxing Day, Arsenal will round off the calendar year with an away fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on New Year's Eve.