Mikel Arteta admits damaging Arsenal transfer blow - "It doesn't look realistic"

07 January 2024 , 20:37

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Mikel Arteta admits damaging Arsenal transfer blow - "It doesn't look realistic"

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has conceded it "doesn't look realistic" when asked if the Gunners plan on signing a new striker this month.

The north Londoners were dumped out of the FA Cup by Liverpool at the third round stage on their own patch after Jakub Kiwior's late own goal was followed by a thunderous strike from Luis Diaz. Arsenal dominated for large parts of the contest, but missed a remarkable amount of chances.

Martin Odegaard rattled the crossbar, while Kai Havertz had five attempts on goal in the first half alone. Bukayo Saka's mishit pass robbed Odegaard of the chance to smash home from close range and the performance has left fans calling for attacking reinforcements once again.

However, those cries could be falling on deaf ears if Arteta's post-match comments are anything to go by. Speaking to BeIN sport about the prospect of signing a new striker, the Gunners boss admitted: "At the moment it doesn't look realistic. My job is to improve the players we have."

Brentford forward Ivan Toney has long been the subject of rumours linking him with a move to the Emirates, but it now appears Arsenal are being priced out of a deal for the Bees talisman. Current Gunners ace Gabriel Jesus missed the game against Liverpool with yet another injury.

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Since his switch from Manchester City in the summer of 2022, Jesus' fitness record has inspired many sections of the Gunners fanbase to believe he is not someone that can be relied upon. After defeat by the Reds, Arteta issued an update on the Brazilian's condition.

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Arsenal wasted a number of chances against Liverpool (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

"He had some pain in his knee," the Gunners boss explained. "We have done a scan that shows something." Areta was pressed for comment on whether there's any danger that Jesus' injury could be worse than first feared, but he kept his cards close to his chest as he added: "Hopefully not."

Arteta was asked about the fact the bulk of the Emirates faithful are calling for a new striker and issued a plea of his own, adding: "What I beg from the supporters is that they are behind the team. Stick behind the team, they are incredibly good. They deserve the support with their attitude.

"One thing is what we need and another is what we can do. What we can do is stick behind those players and make sure we stick behind those players."

Josh O'Brien