Arsenal Realizing The Need For New Players

Mikel Arteta is in discussion with players about recruiting new players (Instagram/@arsenal).

JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta said Arsenal players were aware of the need for new players this month. He was talking to his squad about a possible target.

The Gunners are looking for new players on the January 2025 transfer market after their decision not to recruit forwards last summer was exacerbated by serious injuries suffered by Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal are considering several options in the attacking position. Midfielder Declan Rice hinted at the feelings of his teammates when, after a win over Tottenham Hotspur (16/1/2025), he stated that he was not surprised that Arsenal would do something before the transfer window closed on February 3, 2025.

"It wasn't like that, but we've all experienced it. We all looked at each other. We have very, very few players over the weeks."

"They are aware of the situation. We all did. That's why we try to do what's right for the club, the team, that's our intention," Arteta said of whether the players had spoken to him about the desire to sign in new players.

Arteta further said that the recent conversation with his players was exchanging ideas about recruiting new ammunition.

The Spaniard did not rule out recommendations from his subordinates. According to him, information from the players is much more valid. Especially if the players had previous closeness.

"Sometimes, yes, especially if they know us. It keeps us away from computers and what data says."

"I've seen it, I feel it. A player can score a lot of goals, great."

"What was the player's reaction when he didn't score for six or seven games?"

"This is what caught my interest. Watch the interview with players who didn't score for six games, then what kind of goal did he score?"

"Against which team is in the context of what? Is it the first half or the second half? Is it only with his right foot, just a header, only in an open space?"

"Does he like physical contact in this league? There are many things. So, when you have players who have spent a lot of days with him, that is very valuable information," said Arteta.

Arteta always discusses with his troops when they want to bring in new players. For him, getting recommendations from players is important because it will affect chemistry on the field.

"I always do it (discussed with players). If we can get the right players, that's why we are actively looking for him."

"A person who made us better and had an impact on the team. It's clear that in the period when we lost them, ideally we needed help."

"We've had a shortage of players and now we're even more lacking. The team can still handle it. We have to do what's right for the club."

"It's an option. It doesn't just depend on Arsenal, Mikel, or our wishes. It depends on the market and many other factors," said Arteta again.

Meanwhile, Arteta added that there is a possibility that Myles Lewis-Skelly (latut) and William Saliba (back thigh) could be fit to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

Both players will face a fitness test at the end of training.