“It’s not realistic” – Mikel Arteta asserts Arsenal don’t need a new striker, says FOCUS is on improving existing squad

Mikel Arteta says that bringing in a striker in January is not realistic for the club.

“It’s not realistic” – Mikel Arteta asserts Arsenal don’t need a new striker, says FOCUS is on improving existing squad

Mikel Arteta says that Arsenal cannot bring in a new striker in January. (Via X/widescores_com & VipArsenal)

Arsenal crashed out of the FA Cup against rivals Liverpool on Sunday. As the Reds came up with two late goals, Arsenal were criticized for their ‘wasteful’ nature in front of goal. Following the defeat at the Emirates, questions were raised about the attacking segment of the team. Mikel Arteta clarified that bringing in a striker in the January transfer window wasn’t a realistic prospect.

To make things worse, Arsenal lost Gabriel Jesus to an unfortunate knee injury ahead of the tie. Subsequently, a press conference following the defeat inquired about Arsenal’s pursuit of a striker in the current window.

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However, Arteta replied,

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It doesn't look realistic. At least at the moment it does not. My job here is to improve the players we have and to get better results with the existing squad.

Arteta also said what the club needs to do at the moment. He called for the supporters to back the players. Arteta also said that the players will have to visualize a winning situation, which is contrary to the club’s existing form. 

What I beg from the supporters is that they get behind the team. They've been very good and now they deserve your support.

With yesterday’s loss, Arsenal only have the Premier League and UEFA Champions League to compete for.

’18 shots but no goal’ – Arsenal struggle up front as fans call for attacking reinforcements

Mikel Arteta’s latest admission that Arsenal will not be getting a new striker in January comes as a surprise for many. The game against Liverpool saw the Gunners take a total of 18 shots in 90 minutes. Embarrassingly, only five managed to hit the target, adding to Arsenal’s agony. Several chances went begging, as the home side let out eight shots in the first half without success.

Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka
Arsenal were heavily lacking in the attacking department against Liverpool. (Via X/@joepearce_ & CriminalCosta)

It is no secret that several fans were ‘shouting’ and calling for a new striker during the game on Sunday. With Arteta’s claim that there will be no January signings for a striker, the obvious choice for Arsenal would be to deploy Eddie Nketiah up front. The Englishman has 5 goals and 1 assist in 19 appearances in the Premier League this season. Moreover, Gabriel Jesus’ untimely injury makes it the best time for the 24-year-old to establish a spot in Arteta’s squad.

Several crucial chances including Martin Odegaard‘s shot came to haunt Arsenal in the end. The captain hit the crossbar from close range while Bukayo Saka failed to convert the rebound. Kai Havertz also failed to convert his chance as his strike went straight to Alisson. In the league, Arsenal are currently 4th in the table, 5 points behind leaders Liverpool.

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