‘We are ready if we have to do something’ – Arteta on Arsenal’s January transfer window plans | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are ready to act in the transfer market if the right opportunity presents itself.

The Gunners sit second in the Premier League at present, six points behind Liverpool having played a game more, but Arteta insists he is not desperate to add to his squad in a bid to try and catch the Reds.

“If we panic, it means we are not prepared,” he said. “And a big thing is preparation. When you are well prepared I think your decisions will be better.

“They will be very well processed and then the thing will be if we decide to sign a player, does he perform, yes or no? And that’s a good decision or a bad decision after that.

“The preparation is done. And we are ready if we have to do something. But we know we have an excellent squad and with players available we can compete with any team.”

January will be the first transfer window without former sporting director Edu but while different, Arteta says it has been business as usual.

“It’s different. I’m so used to doing things with Edu. But Jason (Ayto) was a big part of that team. He’s in charge right now and we have great communication. We are talking every day. We are prepared.

“The good thing about that is that neither Jason, or I, or the owner has to convince any players.

“The players want to come to Arsenal because of what Arsenal is and how Arsenal is perceived, and that is a massive bonus.”