Arsenal are “actively” looking to bring forward attacking options this week after losing Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka to injuries, manager Mikel Arteta has said.
Jesus suffered an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury during Arsenal’s FA Cup match with Manchester United this month, while Saka underwent surgery on a hamstring injury in December.
The two men have scored a total of 16 goals in all competitions this season and recorded 15 assists.
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Signing players in January is rarely straightforward, but Arteta said the club wanted to make a move if they could, ahead of a Premier League encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“We lost two very important players. We lack goals and options up front, that’s clear. If we can find the right player, that’s what we’re actively looking for,” Arteta said.
“Any player? No. Someone who makes us better and has an impact on the team. During the period when we lost these players, we need help because we are short of players.
“The team is still dealing with this, but we have to do what is right for the club.”
Asked if Arsenal would need to sell certain players to make room for incoming signings, Arteta replied: “It’s all about balance and it depends on which player it is.
“Is he a player who will give us space or limit us again in a certain position? The rules are quite tricky. It’s not just about what you bring in and what you sell, but also what resources you have available afterwards.
Arsenal, who dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa last week, are second in the Premier League table and trail Liverpool by six points, with the leaders having a game in hand.
The north London club will be keen to maintain at least that gap when they travel to Wolves on Saturday, with their 17th-placed opponents having lost their last three league matches, but Arteta urged caution.
“It will be a very difficult match tomorrow,” added the Spanish coach.
“They’re a very good team, so we’ll have to compete.” They are also in a different time now. Everything is important. You know, I prefer not to talk about individuals, just about their collective quality.
