Mikel Arteta speaking at an Arsenal press conference. (Image: Getty.)
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted “we need help” in attacking areas after injuries to and Gabriel Jesus, but refused to talk up the prospect of signing Wolves star Matheus Cunha.
Arteta will get a first-hand look at Cunha when the Gunners travel to Molineux on Saturday, as they continue to be linked with the in-form Brazilian forward, with the boss praising Wolves and their collective pool of talent.
“I prefer not to talk about individuals, they have a lot,” Arteta said when asked about Cunha specifically. “He’s [Vitor Pereira] been in for a few weeks already, we know him and his ideas. he’s had a really good impact and it will be a really tough match.
“Structure and the use is different, they have clear principles with and without the ball. Everything is important.”
When it was put to Arteta that many consider it essentially that another striker joins this month, in order to compete with for the title, the Spanish boss dismissed the idea that just any player would arrive. But was clear that he is lacking options in the final third.
“Have I ever said no to a striker?” Arteta asked. “We lost two very important players in Saka and Jesus, we lack goals and options in the front, it’s clear. If we can get the right player, that’s what we’re actively looking at.”
Cunha was thought to be closing on a new contract at Wolves, but public criticism of the 25-year-old’s body language by his head coach at last time out has opened the door to a late January transfer.
Matheus Cunha has reported transfer interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. (Image: Getty)
But Arteta claimed that it was an “option” for the deadline to pass without any incomings and ruled out the possibility of ending either Raheem Sterling or goalkeeper Neto’s loans early.
He also revealed that he is getting help from ‘s squad over January additions, as he leans on a senior group of players to help advise where the team needs to be improved.
“They’ve all been there, we have very short numbers for many weeks, they recognise the situation,” Arteta added. “Sometimes I consult the players on signings, especially if they know them. It’s away from the computer and the data, they can sense it, they know about them.”
head to Wolves six points behind , having played a game more than ‘s side, and they are likely to be without Myles Lewis-Skelly and William Saliba for the trip.
Arteta confirmed that neither player has picked up a serious injury and would definitely be back for the following week.
He also provided a positive update on Ben White, who is not far off a return to first-team training. The Gunners are still without Saka, Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu though.
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