Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal can target players of ‘another level’ in January due to their position at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners began the campaign with the ambition of making it back into the top four after narrowly missing out last season, but 10 wins from their opening 12 games leaves them at the top of the table with a two point lead.
As a result, Arteta feels that his side can use that to their advantage in the upcoming transfer window after admitting that Arsenal ’s fast start has led to a rethink over who they will target.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, ahead of Arsenal’s final Europa League group game against FC Zurich, Arteta said: “The planning of that period is extremely difficult.
“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 adaption 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.”
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Arteta’s priority is to bring in a new winger in the new year to provide competition for places with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, whilst also adding proven quality to his side as they aim to maintain their unexpected title push.
Brazilian youngster Marquinhos was signed in the summer, while homegrown talent Reiss Nelson is also amongst the ranks, but neither has been able to obtain a regular spot under Arteta so far this season due to the form of Saka and Martinelli.
Orlando City’s Facundo Torres and Mykhaylo Mudryk of Shakhtar Donetsk are two possible targets who have recently been linked with a move, while RB Salzburg’s Noah Okafor is the most recent addition to that list.
All three players have performed admirably over the course of the year, while Mudryk and Okafor, especially, are the most appealing having already competed in the Champions League this season.
However, Arsenal chief Edu may look to turn his attention to an even higher calibre of player as a result of the success in north London this season, with there no reason as to why they cannot entice players of ‘another level’ to the Emirates Stadium.
As well as the immediate pull of playing for the Gunners due to the history and stature of the club, the chance to play for a team at the top of the Premier League will certainly grab the attention of a number of stars who may not have looked in Arsenal’s direction before.
