Arsenal's Mikel Arteta Eyes January Transfers Amid Injury Concerns

Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta is actively considering squad enhancements during the January transfer window due to injury concerns ahead of a key match against Aston Villa. With several defenders sidelined, Arteta reflects on the team's recent performance and the need for preparedness. As Aston Villa approaches with a record-winning streak, Arteta acknowledges their potential as title contenders and emphasizes the importance of learning from past defeats. This article delves into Arsenal's strategies and challenges as they aim for success this season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 29, 2025, 21:32 IST

Arteta's Plans for Squad Enhancement

Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has indicated that the Premier League leaders are set to 'actively seek' new players during the upcoming January transfer window.

The Gunners may face a significant challenge in their crucial match against Aston Villa at the Emirates on Tuesday, potentially missing up to four defenders.

Injury Woes Ahead of Key Match

Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, and Cristhian Mosquera were all sidelined during Arsenal's narrow victory over Brighton on Saturday, which allowed them to maintain a two-point lead over title contenders Manchester City.

Arteta expressed his intention to strengthen the squad, stating, 'The window is there, and as Arsenal, we must consider what we need. We have to be actively looking, and whether we can achieve that is another matter.'

Preparedness for the Season

Having invested over £250 million ($337 million) on eight new players during the summer transfer window, Arteta is ready to make additional signings next month.

He emphasized the importance of being prepared for unforeseen circumstances, saying, 'We want to ensure we have the right player availability this season.'

Facing Aston Villa's Challenge

Aston Villa recently ended Arsenal's 11-match unbeaten streak in the league with a last-minute 2-1 win on December 6.

The Birmingham team, coming off a record 11 consecutive wins in all competitions, will enter Tuesday's match aiming to equal Arsenal's points tally.

When asked about Villa's potential as title contenders under former Arsenal manager Unai Emery, Arteta acknowledged their consistency and performance, stating, 'They deserve credit for their on-pitch achievements.'

Learning from Past Defeats

Arteta noted, 'Every opponent that visits us should feel challenged, and we aim to dominate as we did against Brighton.'

He reflected on the previous match against Villa, expressing that the loss was harsh but has provided valuable lessons that can fuel their motivation moving forward.