Softfootball understands that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed the club is actively looking at the January transfer market, admitting they are open to every option as the season enters a crucial phase.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth, following Arsenal’s recent 4-1 victory against Aston Villa, Arteta made it clear there is no fixed plan, only flexibility, as reported by sports expert Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
He said:
Mikel Arteta on January deals: We’re open to every option [loan or permanent deals]. Obviously, we can find a solution that is short, medium, or long. It’s always much better because it gives you stability. But let’s see what happens.
The Spaniard suggested Arsenal could move for anything from short-term cover to long-term reinforcements, depending on what becomes available. Stability remains the ideal outcome, but January rarely offers perfect solutions.
Injuries are a major reason Arsenal are even considering dipping back into the market. Declan Rice has been struggling with knee swelling, while Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera remain sidelined.
Those absences have stretched the squad, forcing Arteta into makeshift solutions, including deploying Rice at right-back on occasion. It’s not ideal, especially with fixtures piling up fast.
Arteta acknowledged the situation, stressing that availability, more than anything else, could decide the title race. Arsenal currently sit four points clear of Manchester City, but margins are thin, and there’s little room for error.
Speculation has also surrounded teenage midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, who has attracted interest from several clubs, including Bournemouth, regarding a short-term loan.
Arsenal’s £250 million summer spend has given them depth, but it’s also increased competition across the board. Sporting director Andrea Berta is now closely monitoring the market, with Arteta leaving much of the groundwork in his hands.
January is never easy; Arteta has said that before. Prices rise, options shrink. But with a first league title since 2004 in sight, Arsenal won’t hesitate if the right opportunity shows up.
