Mikel Arteta sends transfer warning with clear verdict on solution to Arsenal struggles | OneFootball

Arsenal boss has suggested it is up to current squad to deliver necessary firepower for rest of season

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s solution to their goalscoring woes lies within the squad and they will only enter the market for a player who can “immediately impact” the team.

It was the 13th time in 30 games this season that Arsenal have either failed to register a goal or only scored once.

Arteta, however, is backing his players to turn it around and he is buoyed by the fact Arsenal scored 114 goals in all competitions in 2024 at their best scoring rate for more than 60 years.

Asked if he believes the solution to Arsenal’s recent troubles in front of goal are in the squad or if they need to go into the market, Arteta said: “My players - 100 per cent.

“We were the team that scored more goals in the calendar year than any other team, I don’t think that’s a problem.

“We always have discussions with the ones above, discussing how we can improve the team.

Arsenal’s forwards have struggled for form at times this season

John Walton/PA Wire

“Whether the market is open or closed, because we have to plan for the necessities are right now and what the necessities are medium and long term, so those discussions are always open.

“I have so much support from the board. I continue to have it, and we are all seeking and willing to do the same thing, which is to win the maximum amount of football matches in the way that we want to play, to achieve the goals we want, which is to win trophies.

“That support continues to be there, but we have our limitations.”

Arsenal have had recent success in the January transfer window, especially two years ago when they brought in Jorginho and Leandro Trossard.

The need for a new forward now has grown following Bukayo Saka injuring his hamstring last month and being ruled out until at least March - but Arteta doesn’t want to sign someone for the sake of it.

“First of all, someone who can impact the team,” said Arteta, when asked what he wants from a January signing.

“Bringing in bodies doesn't help at all, it is just someone who can immediately impact on performance and bring something we don’t have. In this market it is very difficult to achieve.”