When you cast your minds back to the second half of last season, it’s hard not to think the outcome would have been different had Arsenal recruited in January.
However, despite sticking to their guns and refusing to panic buy, Mikel Arteta has revealed the club will look to strengthen the squad if possible this winter.
There had been fears that Arsenal would make the same mistake again, with the team currently top of the Premier League table and on the verge of securing an automatic place in the last 16 of the Europa League.
READ MORE: Arsenal news: Edu sets January transfer plan as Mikel Arteta provides Gunners future update
The Gunners were just one win away from returning to the Champions League stage last season, but a number of injuries and a lack of firepower saw them fall short when it mattered.
Thankfully, it looks as though steps will be taken this time around to ensure the team has enough support to get the job done.
Speaking ahead of the Europa League match against FC Zurich, Arteta confirmed the club will be active during the January window and claimed that their position in the league means they have to aim high.
“The planning of that period is extremely difficult,” he said. “First of all because we know the January window, how special it is, the opportunities that you have, the short window that you have.
“Once you get the player they are straight away competing, so there is not an adaptation process. And obviously, with the position that we are in right now as well, it demands as well another level of player - and that player has to be available. We will look at everything and let’s see what we can do,” Arteta added.
The Spaniard’s admission comes as links to Orlando City’s Facundo Torres, Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhaylo Mudryk and Palmeiras’ Danilo continue to circle.
Various reports have claimed that Arsenal will hold talks with the representatives of Torres in the coming days after the Uruguayan international enjoyed an impressive debut season in MLS, scoring nine goals and providing eight assists across 33 appearances.
Mudryk, meanwhile, admitted that it would be impossible to say no to the Gunners should they come back in for him. The talented winger is believed to have been the subject of serious interest from the club in the summer and discussions are thought to have been held with his agent.
Danilo is another long-term target of Edu’s, who has previously explored a deal for the Brazilian in the past two transfer windows. football.london understands Arsenal looked into a potential deal for the 21-year-old ahead of deadline day in September, but Palmeiras were unwilling to do business at the time.
With Douglas Luiz extending his contract at Villa Park, Danilo could become the main midfield candidate as a result.
READ NEXT:
‘He’s quality’ - Stan Kroenke told to sign Facundo Torres as Arsenal transfer talks confirmed
Arsenal eye Gabriel Martinelli transfer trick repeat as Mikel Arteta makes move for midfielder
Gabriel Martinelli makes huge new contract admission Arsenal fans will love with one request
Mikel Arteta reassured over Facundo Torres transfer as former MLS star sends Arsenal reminder
Arsenal handed huge Premier League title boost as Mikel Arteta and Edu eye January transfer plan
