Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta looking to bolster squad in January

Premier League leaders Arsenal will purpose to strengthen their squad in the January switch window however should determine gamers with the precise qualities, supervisor Mikel Arteta mentioned on Thursday.

Arsenal went into the World Cup break with a five-point benefit over champions Manchester City after 14 matches however will probably be with out Gabriel Jesus who sustained a long-term damage in Qatar and underwent surgical procedure on a knee drawback.

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“We’re going to be active [in the January window] and that means we’re looking to strengthen the team,” Arteta informed reporters earlier than their match in opposition to West Ham on Dec. 26.

“This squad still doesn’t have the luxury of not needing to maximise in every window. But it has to be the right player.

“We know the place we’re in phrases of the squad and numbers. We’ll be extraordinarily cautious about what we wish to do in the window.”

Arteta said it was a huge blow to lose Jesus, with no time frame on his return to action.

Winger Reiss Nelson is likely to be out for a while due to a hamstring issue while attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is closing in on a return from a groin injury.

“With Gabi [Jesus] it is troublesome to put a timeframe. Knowing him I favor not to give any dates,” Arteta said.

“With Reiss, he is going to be out for some time [weeks]. Emile is shut. He had a setback however he is shut.”

France centre again William Saliba will even miss the sport as he’s but to return from worldwide obligation.