Arteta responds to lack of forward signings and defends Arsenal’s transfer window | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal’s transfer window was not perfect, but says he is pleased with the business that was done.

Arsenal were active in the summer transfer market, but asked whether Arteta should have gone further in strengthening their attacking options, he replied: “I should have signed more strikers, you mean?” Arteta said.

“Well, it depends. When I arrived here, we had two great strikers as well, with Auba and Laca. Then we had Eddie as well, that was in-house, and things have developed.

“As well, trust the players that you already have to do that, and now we have made a move.”

Arteta also paid tribute to Gabriel Jesus following his departure for Barcelona, describing the Brazilian as a key figure in changing the atmosphere around Arsenal.

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“Last year, last summer, we made a move, and now Gabi’s gone to Barcelona, which I take the opportunity as well to give him a huge thank you, because he was a massive contributor for us to change the dynamic and the energy in and around this club,” Arteta said.

“I think when Gabi came in, he brought this smile, this energy, this belief within, this aura, that really helped to achieve what happened next.

“And now, yeah, he has an amazing opportunity to enjoy one of the biggest clubs in the world, and a beautiful place to live as well, and we are happy for him.”

Arteta also praised the club’s transfer business, praising sporting director Andrea Berta for his work during the window, but accepted that no recruitment drive can ever be completely perfect.

“I think to get this done in this market is complicated,” he added.

“It’s not that easy. I don’t know how it looks from the outside.

“We have put everything that we possibly could to make those deals happen, and we have made most of them happen.

“We’ve been very efficient. I think what Andre has done in the market, again, has been incredible with the support of all the club.

“And that’s it. But it’s never perfect. It doesn’t mean to be perfect.”

Asked whether Arsenal’s attack is now stronger than it was last season, Arteta refused to make any predictions before his side had the chance to show it on the pitch.

“We have to prove, in that particular position, whether we are better or not. Let’s see,” he said.

“I mean, we need to play. I don’t like to make assumptions before.

“I think that’s not just the responsibility of those players, it’s the responsibility of the team and the dynamic of the team, and we have multiple options to play there with different profiles as well.”

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