Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been left frustrated by the lack of signings in January.
The Gunners boss made it very clear in numerous press conferences that the club was in need of a new striker to compete for the Premier League title.
But with a tame bid for Ollie Watkins knocked back and a deal for Mathys Tel never really materialising, there is a still an issue at the top end of the pitch for Arteta and Co.
Gabriel Jesus is out with an injury, as is Bukayo Saka, while Kai Havertz is providing hot and cold form.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle, Arteta said: “We had a clear intention which is always when a window opens to explore the opportunities to improve our squad. With players with injuries, we’ve been impacted and we haven’t achieved it.
“We are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that as well.
“We are disappointed but we only want to bring in certain kind of players and have to be disciplined” 🗣️
Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal not signing anyone in the January window 🔴 pic.twitter.com/Sg0JLvFs59
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 4, 2025
“When you try your best and do things, you see the people and we share the same intentions, when you don’t achieve it okay, for sure there are things to learn from it.
“But you have to move on and that is a piece that was important in the moment, but now we’ve moved on.
“It’s in the profile, a player that can make us better. Financially there is a lot of ways, a lot of things that we must stay in the lane that has taken us this far and from there try to improve.”
Looking forwards, Arteta will have to continue to be creative with his front line. Havertz, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli can all play in the striker role, and the Spaniard must find the write selection if the Gunners are to overcome Newcastle on Wednesday night.
He added: “We are going to have to be flexible in the front line, the ones we have we have to make sure they stay fit and are contributing, can play in that position.
“Raheem (Sterling) has played in that position, Ethan (Nwaneri) I think can play in that position, (Gabriel) Martinelli, so lets see in relation to how everybody is in the moment, the opponent.
“But at some point I think we will have to try something different.”