MY ACCOUNT
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed the performance from his squad in the first half of the season and opened the door for new recruits in the January window.
The Gunners head into Saturday’s clash with Wolves, the final game before the World Cup, top of the Premier League and a tally of 34 points at this stage of the season has only once not resulted in title triumph at the end of the campaign (Newcastle United 1996-97).
Arteta’s side have already exceeded early expectations this season, with a top-four challenge being the objective, but a lack of depth within the squad could be problematic as the season progresses.
Arsenal have been linked with major moves when the market reopens, with reports suggesting a bid in excess of £50million has been made for Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhalo Mudryk, while interest in Orlando City’s Facundo Torres and Palmeiras’ Danilo is also rumoured.
While Arteta did not delve into specifics, he confirmed activity in the market is on the agenda.
“Some of the players and the experience they have is not the biggest, but we have competed in an impressive way up to now with the numbers we have,” he said on Friday.
“Of course, we can improve the team, we will always be looking to do that as a club. This window is unpredictable, especially with the World Cup in the middle. We will have a look and will try to make the squad stronger.
“We will be active because you don’t know what will happen in the World Cup, touch wood, everyone will be ok.”
Arsenal have not been afraid to splash the cash under Arteta and [technical director] Edu, having forked out a reported £80m to sign Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White, and the Gunners boss was asked whether the inclusion of the pair in England’s World Cup squad proves they made the right decision.
“We pick the players that we believe have the qualities and personalities to be helpful and successful at our club,” he added.
“If they are valuable to the national team as well, in this case England, then it is much better.”
The Gunners have a number of players set to compete at the World Cup, including Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu, with Arteta predicting glory for one of his squad.
“One of my players will win the World Cup, I hope so,” said the Spaniard.
