BREAKING:Mikel Arteta wants four new signings to ‘complete’ his Arsenal squad

Mikel Arteta wants four new signings to ‘complete’ his Arsenal squad

Mikel Arteta wants to bolster his Arsenal squad in the January transfer window (
Mikel Arteta wants to bolster his Arsenal squad in the January transfer window (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal are leading the race to sign Ivan Toney but Mikel Arteta would ideally like to bring in four new players next month to complete his squad.

As they were this time last year, the Gunners head into the Christmas period top of the table and looking equipped to mount a sustainable title challenge.

Moises Caicedo and Mykhailo Mudryk were among a list of high-profile targets Arsenal missed out on 12 months ago, and although Leandro Trossard and Jorginho proved shrewd acquisitions, Arsenal ultimately ran out of steam when injuries began to mount up.

With the likes of Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe having played little or no part in Arsenal’s rise to the summit this term, Arteta is desperate for history not to repeat itself.

A new striker remains a priority, and although Toney would welcome an offer from Arsenal there remain several obstacles for the north London club to overcome if they are to complete his signing.

Manchester City v Brentford FC – Premier League
Ivan Toney
Brentford value their prize asset at £60million but could end up securing a fee closer to £80m, according to the Independent.

Arteta, meanwhile, harbours reservations about the chances of Toney being ready to make an instant impact given he has spent the last seven months out of the game following the suspension he received for breaking gambling regulations.

With Takehiro Tomiyasu currently injury and set to feature in the Asia Cup early next year, Arsenal also appear to be short of cover in the full-back positions.

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Cedric Soares, who made only his second appearance of the season in a Champions League dead rubber last week, is the only senior cover for Ben White at right-back, while Jakub Kiwior has been deployed on the opposite flank on the occasions Arteta has opted to rest Oleksandr Zinchenko of late.

Central midfield represents and equally pressing concern for the Arsenal manager given Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey will feature at the Africa Cup of Nations upon their returns to fitness.

A huge burden has been placed on record signing Declan Rice and although he has exceeded expectations, Arteta has only Jorginho in reserve, aside from more attacking options like the aforementioned Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira, who underwent surgery earlier this month.

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