Mikel Arteta “Optimistic” About Arsenal’s Chances Of Strengthening The Squad In January

By The Editor
on 8th January 2022

Mikel Arteta talks up Arsenal’s chances of strengthening the squad this window…

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta stated that he’s “optimistic” about our chances of strengthening the squad in the January window after confirming that the recruitment team are hard at work, HaytersTV reports.

The Spaniard has this week admitted that the squad is light, especially in midfield, and that we need to dip into the market to plug those gaps.

Also, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that we’re attempting to bring in Dusan Vlahovic this month, the Serbian striker is one of the most in-demand players in Europe.

🚨 Arsenal pushing to sign Dusan Vlahovic this month. If 21yo leaves Fiorentina now, #AFC currently ahead based on fee/salary. Decision of striker + agent will be key. Isak & Calvert-Lewin also admired
➕ Nketiah info, other positions & more @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/dFBt3vSmLe

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 7, 2022

Potentially adding Vlahovic and a midfielder to the squad would represent quite the outlay in a window many clubs tend to avoid, but the boss made it clear that we must take advantage of every window.

Speaking to the press ahead of our cup tie at Nottingham Forest, he made it clear he and the hierarchy are aligned in their thoughts about the transfer market and what needs to be done.

“We have a leadership team that is in constant communication,” Arteta explained.

“Obviously, Edu and I talk every single day, we share all the ideas, the concerns that we have, all the opportunities. He’s in full charge to go through all the markets.”

Asked if he’s optimistic about doing business this month, a smiling Arteta replied: “I’m always optimistic.”

Despite our pressing needs in midfield, Arteta is correct in his theory that any opportunity to potentially strengthen the squad cannot be ignored – especially when constructing a rebuild.

We had an unprecedented summer window, bringing in six first-team players and spending over £140m – but we’re in unprecedented times.

Two eighth-placed finishes and an ageing squad meant something drastic needed to be done, and the job isn’t complete. When a club like Liverpool managed to bring in Virgil Van Dijk during their rebuilding process in a January window, it’s proof that every window could prove to be fruitful.