Mikel Arteta makes Arsenal January transfer admission as fears grow over injury to key squad man

Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal may be forced into the transfer market for a new midfielder as fears mount over an injury to Mohamed Elneny.

The Egypt international is not a first-team regular at the Emirates Stadium but, with Arteta operating with a small squad, his absence could be felt in the Premier League title race – especially with FA Cup and Europa League fixtures in the mix.

Arsenal have already signed Belgium forward Leandro Trossard from Brighton and Jakub Kiwior – a highly-rated Poland international defender – in the January window.

The Gunners sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League and travel to face closest challengers Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday night.

Arteta revealed Elneny will not feature due to a knee injury suffered in training, with a return date for the 30-year-old not forthcoming.

The north London club have been linked with a summer move for West Ham captain Declan Rice but may have to strengthen in the current window.

“There are concerns,” Arteta replied when asked about suggestions Elneny could be out for the season.

“Mo is a player who never complains about anything. But let’s see. He had some issues with his knee that we are assessing at the moment.”

Arteta not ruling out transfer move

Pushed on whether it could mean Arsenal return to the market – with the likes of Amadou Onana, Weston McKennie and Moises Caicedo linked – the Spaniard added: “Well, we need some more cover in midfield ideally if we can.

“In this market it’s pretty complicated to do that. The most important thing is that we get the performances and the time on the pitch that we need with the players we have available today that are already really good.

“If there’s anything else available that can make us better, we’ll look at it.”

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