‘Have I ever said NO to a striker?’ Mikel Arteta optimistic of adding a forward in transfer window | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has reiterated that it is clear Arsenal need to add to their forward line in the January transfer window.

The Gunners have lost Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka to injuries of late, with Jesus set to be out for the remainder of the season.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with moves for Wolves’ Matheus Cunha and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but their price tags are believed to be a stumbling block this month.

And Arteta also rejected the suggestion that he does not share the view of the fans that his team needs to sign a forward.

He said: “I don’t share what? Have I ever said no to a striker?

“My opinion is clear, we lost two very important players in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus so we lack goals, we lack people, we lack options in the front line, it’s clear.

“If we can get the right player, that’s what we’re actively looking at. Any player? No. Someone that makes us better and has an impact on the team. We need some help, we’re very short already but the team is coping. We have to do what is right for the club.”

Raheem Sterling has enjoyed more game time of late given the injuries in his position and while he has struggled to find his best form, Arteta says there is no chance of his loan spell being cut short: “We’re not thinking about that.”

The injuries to Saka and Jesus has also placed more responsibility on the shoulders of forwards Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, and the Arsenal boss says he has impressed with how the duo have stepped up.

“Very happy, they made another step forward, impacting the game in a more powerful, more consistent way, it’s a great asset to have, they’re really important and both in a good moment gives the team a very good threat.”

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice also spoke of the need for signings following their north London derby win over Tottenham recently and Arteta admits the players know the squad is lacking: “We’ve all been there, they look at each other, we have short numbers for many weeks, they recognise the situation, we all do.”