LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 26: Stan Kroenke of KSE, owners of Arsenal and the LA Rams with Arseal manager Mikel Arteta at the Los Angeles Rams Training Camp at Loyola Marymount University on July 26, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal January transfer limitations amid calls to spend big

by · football.london

Mikel Arteta faced the media ahead of Arsenal's match with Manchester United in the FA Cup. The Gunners' manager has welcomed back many members of his squad while also hoping for positive news on the return of other key players.

Injury and illness have been a big factor in losing the likes of Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz in recent weeks. However, it was an overall strong looking side that fell to Newcastle in midweek.

There has been an extra emphasis therefore on transfers with expectations over what Arsenal need to do always on the rise. Arteta was asked about the potential for deals and the expectations and limitations over moves.

“First of all, someone who can impact the team, bringing bodies it doesn’t help at all.” Arteta said when asked what the club look for. “In this market that is something very difficult to achieve.”

He added: “It's always a possibility if it’s somebody that is going to make us better.”

There is however a feeling of a reluctance to spend at times that has existed well beyond Arteta’s tenure with the team. Arteta did again reference the potential capacity for Arsenal to be able to spend the required money on the players, particularly the forwards, they want.

“Yeah because we have certain limitations and we have lots of gaps and things you have to cover. It's also about the players and whether you can afford them.”

Arsenal take on Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium at 3pm GMT Sunday. You can follow the match from four hours before kick-off using our matchday live blog.