Arteta wants two January transfers to kickstart Arsenal’s season

Mikel Arteta has admitted he is ready to delve into the transfer market to boost his Arsenal squad.

Arteta saw his new troops earn a 1-1 draw in his first match in charge on Boxing Day as a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang goal helped earn a point at Bournemouth. After the match, the new boss admitted he saw some positive signs, but insists implementing his philosophy will take time.

The Spaniard was drafted in as their new manager last week and is tasked with reversing the Gunners’ fortunes after an alarming run of form has left them loitering down in mid table this season.

However, after winning just one of their last 14 matches, Thierry Henry has warned Arteta he faces a really tough task in reversing their fortunes.

And with Arteta preparing to face Chelsea on Sunday in his first match as manager at Emirates Stadium, the Spaniard has admitted he needs to start getting the best out of one player in particular if the Gunners are to climb the table.

Arsenal spent heavily this summer with the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Kieran Tierney, Dani Ceballos and David Luiz all arriving in high-profile deals, but it seems Arteta can already see weaknesses in his squad and he is already turning his attentions towards the January window.

“We need players back from injuries, first of all, to be more solid, more compact,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “And then we might need to do one or two things if the right players become available, to help us.

“But at the moment I am more concerned with getting the maximum out of the players available to us.”

 

One player who does look to be on his way is troubled midfielder Granit Xhaka, with the player’s agent admitting he had agreed terms over a move to Hertha Berlin.

“Look, I will say it frankly and honestly, we are in agreement with Hertha BSC and would like to go to Berlin,” Xhaka’s agent José Noguera told Blick.

“We have told Arsenal’s club boss Raul Sanllehi and sporting director Edu Gaspar, as well as the new coach Mikel Arteta.

“Arsenal was informed about all the steps, the player and Hertha are clear.”

It’s claimed the Gunners have already earmarked his replacement with a loan deal on the cards for a classy Juventus man.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are also said to be on the trail of a Brazilian midfielder currently starring for Athletico Paranaense.