Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal are “disappointed” after failing to secure a new striker during the January transfer window.
The Gunners were actively pursuing attacking reinforcements, including Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but ultimately ended the window without a new addition.
Speaking on Tuesday, Arteta acknowledged the club’s unsuccessful pursuit, stating:
“We had a clear intention. We haven’t achieved it. So we are disappointed. But we are aware that we only want to bring certain types of players, so we have to be disciplined.”
Arsenal made a concrete bid for Watkins, but Villa instead opted to sell Jhon Durán to Al Nassr, leaving the North London club without their desired No. 9.
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Arteta had been targeting a striker capable of making an immediate impact, with Arsenal pushing to challenge Liverpool in the Premier League title race and aiming for a deep Champions League run.
Despite the setback, Arteta emphasized that Arsenal would not compromise on their recruitment strategy by signing a short-term solution.
“We don’t want to bring in a player just for the sake of it. The right profile at the right price is key,” he added.
With Kai Havertz now Arsenal’s only fit recognized centre-forward, the Gunners may face attacking challenges in the coming months.
However, Arteta and the club are now shifting their focus to the summer transfer window, where they are expected to pursue a top-level striker to bolster their attacking options.
This transfer disappointment underscores Arsenal’s long-term vision, prioritizing strategic signings over short-term fixes a decision that could shape their ambitions for seasons to come.
