Arteta Signals Arsenal January Transfer Readiness

Mikel Arteta has put Arsenal on transfer watch, admitting the club must stay ready to act in January as injuries continue to pile up. The Arsenal boss revealed the squad is at risk, and the club cannot rule out movement in the market if the right opportunity appears.

Arsenal head to Aston Villa this Saturday with major fitness doubts over Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera, both of whom were forced off in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Brentford. At a time when the title race is tightening, the timing of these setbacks could not be worse.

The Gunners have already endured a brutal injury list this season. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Noni Madueke have all spent extended periods on the sidelines. Despite that, Arsenal remains five points clear at the top of the Premier League, a position built on resilience as much as quality.

Arsenal committed more than £250 million to eight new signings in the summer, a statement of intent that was supposed to reduce their reliance on a thin core group. Instead, the relentless fixture schedule and a growing medical room have forced Arteta back into survival mode.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta made it clear the club will not sit still if the situation worsens. “We always have to be prepared,” he said. “The moment that we have an option to touch the squad, to improve the squad, or to protect the squad, we need to be open for it. We are certainly going to be on alert and be ready just in case we have to do something.”

Behind the scenes, the groundwork is already being laid. Sources have told ESPN that Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza is one of the names under active internal discussion as Arsenal maps out potential January options. While no formal move has been made, the interest reflects a growing awareness that cover may be needed in key areas.

The immediate concern remains Rice and Mosquera. Arteta confirmed both players will be assessed after Friday’s final training session before the Villa Park trip. The Arsenal manager admitted Mosquera’s situation is the more serious. “That’s the one that is more complicated,” Arteta said, adding that further tests would determine whether he can be involved.

There was at least some positive news. Arteta reiterated that William Saliba and Leandro Trossard are close to returning, describing their situations as a “matter of days” rather than weeks. Their potential availability could ease pressure, but the bigger picture remains fragile.

This is the balancing act Arsenal now faces. Do they trust the depth they built with their £250m investment, or do they push again in January to protect a title challenge that few expected to look this strong under such strain?

Arteta has made his position clear. Arsenal will not panic, but they will not stand still either. With rivals circling and injuries stacking up, January could define whether this season ends in silverware or regret.