MIKEL ARTETA says he cannot promise fans that Arsenal will sign a striker before the January deadline.
But the Gunners boss has assured them the club are “actively” working on bringing someone in, suggesting that age does NOT matter following their failed Ollie Watkins bid.
Aston Villa rejected an offer of around £60m for Watkins, 29, from Arsenal earlier this week, and are now unlikely to sell with the impending £64m departure of Jhon Duran, 21, to Saudi’s Al Nassr.
Arteta is desperate to bring in a forward before Monday’s deadline to bolster a squad that has suffered big injuries in attacking areas to the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.
But the Spaniard admitted: “We are trying everything that we can, but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not. It doesn’t depend only on us.
“We have the intention, the purpose and the ambition to try to help the team and support the squad to be better and to finish the season really, really strong. We are actively trying to do that.
“I’m very confident with the work that the club is doing, and exploring every single opportunity that we believe can have an impact on the team.
“If that’s the certainly the case and we can agree on something, we will, and if not, we won’t. I’m not going to talk about any individuals.”
Arsenal’s pursuit of Watkins has taken some by surprise given the player’s age and profile, with Arteta in the past opting to strengthen his squad with young talents with potential.
But Arteta explained: “We don’t really look at the market in those terms.
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“We look at what we have in this squad and what we are lacking and what can really impact.
“And bring something that potentially can make us much better, regardless of the age or sometimes the background that they have.
“It’s a real belief that that player can be really good for us over time.”
Jesus is fighting to be back in 2025 after undergoing surgery on an ACL rupture, while Saka is targeting a March comeback following a hamstring operation.
On if another injury or a negative result against Manchester City on Sunday could change their approach, Arteta added: “Hopefully not.
“But obviously if something happens that obviously is not planned, it would put the squad in a much dangerous position.
“It might do, you know, but [signing someone because of a defeat] no. That would mean that we haven’t planned anything and we’re just reacting to something last second, which is not good.”
There are also concerns over the fitness of No.1 David Raya, who missed the 2-1 Champions League victory at Girona on Wednesday night with a muscular issue.
Loanee Neto would be forced to step in to face City after only making his debut in Spain.
Arteta said: “We are still uncertain. We have another session so we have to wait and see.”
Arsenal ratings vs Girona as Neto has a shocker on debut but is rescued by wonderkid
NETO endured a nightmare Arsenal debut against Girona but had 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to thank for sparing his blushes.
SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson has provided his ratings for the Arsenal team…
Neto – 4
He made his long-awaited debut, having joined Arsenal on loan from Bournemouth last summer.
The goalkeeper got away with an early mistake and was caught out by former Spurs star Arnaut Danjuma.
Thomas Partey 45′ – 6
Too aggressive from the right-back spot and was beaten for pace by Danjuma as Girona opened the scoring.
Partey struggled with the winger for much of the game which gave the hosts an edge.
Managed to win a penalty to give Arsenal a route back into the game after a needless challenge but was hooked at half-time.
Jakub Kiwior – 6
The defender put in a decent shift at the back and was able to keep Abel Ruiz quiet for much of the match.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
Like Kiwior, Gabriel was fairly solid against Girona and dealt with most of the danger from the hosts.
Riccardo Calafiori 69′ – 6
Thought he scored the opener but was a good foot offside.
Continued to be positive up the wing and helped the Gunners up the pitch.
Mikel Merino – 6
Merino was fine against Girona. It was not a performance that will grab headlines but did what he needed to do in midfield.
Jorginho 80′ – 7
It’s been a while, but the Italian was back on the scoresheet after converting from the spot in the 38th minute.
The midfielder was composed on the ball and helped recycle the ball and control possession.
Martin Odegaard – 6
It was a quiet night for the Gunners captain as he helped the team maintain the ball but lacked that creative spark.
Raheem Sterling – 4
Struggled to make a big impact in the first half and was the weakest of all of the Gunners’ frontline.
To make matters worse, he was booked for diving in the 70th minute.
And just as he though it couldn’t get even worse, he missed a penalty late on.
Leandro Trossard 69′ – 6
Should have given Arsenal the lead early on but was unable to deflect the ball goalwards.
Continued to prob and rattled the crossbar before the break with a powerful effort.
Ethan Nwaneri 85′ – 8
The youngster showed why he is one of the most promising players at the club with a wonder strike in the first half.
He wrapped a curling effort into the top corner before half-time on his first Champions League start.
His goal saw him become the second youngest English goalscorer in the history of thre Champions League.
SUBS
Jurrien Timber 45′ – 6
Added some energy down the left-hand side after replacing Partey at half-time.
Kai Havertz 69′ – 6
Got involved in the attack but struggled to find a clear scoring chance,
Myles Lewis-Skelly 69′ – 6
Another comfortable outing for the impressive youngster.
Declan Rice 80′ – 6
Came on in the final stages to help solidify the defence for the Gunners and put in some dangerous corners.
He did pick up a booking late on.
Gabriel Martinelli 85′ – N/A
Replaced Nwaneri late on and looked dangerous on the wing for the final minutes.
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