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‘It is clear’: Arteta issues Arsenal transfer message after 1-0 loss to Forest

Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images
Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images
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NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 09: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal speaks with Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at City Ground on January 09, 2022 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Mikel Arteta has suggested that Arsenal could dip into the January transfer market after the Gunners 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest.

Speaking on press via the Mirror, the north London coach said that he will look to improve the quality of the squad as Arsenal once again lost to the Championship side in the FA Cup.

In a repeat outcome of 2018, Arsenal were dumped out of the Cup by the hands of Forest with Lewis Grabben bagging a late goal to send the Gunners out of the competition in the third round.

A rotated Arsenal side saw the likes of Charlie Patino and Albert Sambi Lokonga make their first starts in some time. And the lack of experience and quality showed on the pitch, with Arsenal looking well off their usual best.

Indeed, the north London side looked lost and nothing like the side we have seen for much of this season. And when asked about January signings, Arteta said he will look for answers in the market.

The Arsenal manager said: “I think it is clear where we need to strengthen, but at the moment it is what we have. And what we have, we have to play.”

Forest loss highlights what Arsenal need to do to reach next stage

With a fully fit squad, Arteta has cracked the code for what he wants his Arsenal squad to achieve. However, beyond the starting XI, it is clear that quality depth is needed for the Gunners to reach the next level.

The likes of Cedric Soares, Eddie Nketiah and Rob Holding looked out of their depth on a night to forget for Arsenal, and Forest’s win shows just how much more work needs to be done for the north London side to compete with the big guns in England.