Mikel Arteta Confirms Arsenal Will Explore January Transfers Amid Defensive Injury Issues

Mikel Arteta the Arsenal manager has stated that his team leading the Premier League will consider options to strengthen the squad in the upcoming January transfer period.

The north London side might lack as many as four defenders in their crucial encounter with in form Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Players like Jurrien Timber Riccardo Calafiori Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera sat out Arsenals hard fought victory against Brighton at the weekend a result that maintained their two point lead over challengers Manchester City atop the standings.

During the summer window Arsenal invested over £250 million which is about $337 million in eight fresh signings and Arteta appears ready to pursue more additions in the new year.

He commented The opportunity exists and as Arsenal we must evaluate it by asking what reinforcements are required. We need to pursue those options actively though success depends on various factors with the club aiming to claim the English title for the first time in two decades since 2004.

The manager from Spain continued Our responsibility is to stay well prepared since unexpected events can occur so we hope for favourable outcomes.

Looking at rival teams they maintain squads of 24 or 25 players. Despite facing more injuries than anticipated some unavoidable we aim to improve and recognise how vital player availability will prove throughout the campaign.

Aston Villa halted Arsenals 11 game unbeaten streak in the league by clinching a dramatic 2-1 win in added time against Artetas squad on December 6.

The team from Birmingham arriving on the back of a club best 11 consecutive victories across all tournaments enters Tuesdays fixture aware that a win could equal them with Arsenal in the points tally.

When questioned about whether the Villa outfit under fellow Spaniard Unai Emery a past Arsenal manager posed a genuine threat to the crown Arteta responded They warrant a top position judging by their performances their reliability and the transformations Unai has brought to the club.

They earn full praise for delivering results on the field where true quality shines.

However every visiting side to our ground must face challenges and we intend to control proceedings much like we did for most of the match versus Brighton.

We anticipate a challenging clash. We will review our previous meeting with Villa and I possess several thoughts on areas needing enhancement.

The defeat felt harsh given the circumstances but we have gained insights from it and can channel those into drive and determination appropriately.