- Takehiro Tomiyasu, Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber and Fabio Vieira are all injured
- Mikel Arteta says they will be prepared for the transfer window next month
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Mikel Arteta has implored Arsenal to act quickly in January if the right player emerges as he feels his team ‘are really short’.
The Gunners have been linked with a plethora of names ahead of the transfer window.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber and Fabio Vieira are all out injured, and Kai Havertz is missing for the West Ham clash on Thursday due to suspension.
He said: ‘Well at the moment, it is very difficult. We are really short. We have positions that we have been very exposed for the last six weeks and hopefully we are going to get players back.
‘We have certain targets, ideas if things happen. We don’t know how the squad is going to look in two weeks’ time and you have to be always prepared for that. But it is a very, very tricky market that shifts very quickly and it is quite unpredictable as well – and you have to be prepared. We will be prepared and we will try to make the right calls.
Mikel Arteta has implored Arsenal to act quickly in January if the right player emerges
Defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is one of a number of players currently sidelined by injury
‘If there is something that we can [do to] improve the squad and that needs appear, and we cannot fulfil it with players here, we are always going to be open to do that because we want to be stronger.’
Gabriel Martinelli has not been prolific in front of goal of late, but Arteta is backing the winger to regain his knack.
The Brazilian missed a golden chance against Liverpool last weekend, following a lack of goals in the league.
The 22-year-old scored 15 in the league last season, but has managed just two in this campaign.
Arteta added: ‘(It’s) difficult to put something onto it. Sometimes it’s decision making, scoring, or missing a chance, or hitting the post, or receiving the ball. The difference is small details.
Gabriel Martinelli has struggled…