(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) – Mikel Arteta discusses Arsenal’s squad depth following the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
In Summary:
- Arsenal’s need for attacking reinforcements grows as key players remain sidelined.
- Nottingham Forest makes a £22m bid for Yoane Wissa, putting pressure on Arteta to act quickly.
Arsenal’s transfer activity has been slow this January, with Mikel Arteta’s squad struggling with multiple injuries, particularly in attack.
Key players such as Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka are sidelined, and Arteta has been vocal about the need for reinforcements.
Following the team’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa, Arteta admitted his concerns, saying, “I don’t know how many teams are playing at this level in the league, but when you look at the bench, probably you would say, I think we are very short.”
He continued, highlighting the absence of Jesus and Saka: “We have lost two massive players for us in the front-line and we need some support up there.”
Despite these challenges, Arsenal has yet to act decisively in the transfer market, with several players such as Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Nico Williams linked to the club.
One potential signing is Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who has attracted attention from Arsenal, but they now face competition from Nottingham Forest.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Forest has submitted a £22 million bid for Wissa, although it is reportedly below Brentford’s asking price.
Arteta’s side will need to move quickly if they wish to secure Wissa’s signature.
Meanwhile, West Ham United has made a significant £57 million bid for Jhon Duran of Aston Villa, which is expected to be rejected.
As other Premier League clubs strengthen their squads, the pressure is mounting on Arsenal to act and bolster their attacking options in the remaining days of the transfer window.