‘Our intention is clear’ – Arteta on new forward signing and injury to David Raya | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta says he cannot give any assurances to Arsenal fans that they will definitely sign a forward before the transfer window shuts but insists the club are doing “everything they can” to make it happen.

Arsenal are currently without duo Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus through injury and Arteta has made it clear that he wants to add another forward to his squad before the window closes.

Ollie Watkins has been the latest name linked to the club but Aston Villa are very reluctant to sell him having already let fellow striker Jhon Duran leave this month.

On whether a new forward will arrive before the deadline, Arteta said: “I’m very confident in the work that the club is doing and we’re exploring every single opportunity that we believe can have an impact on the team.

“That’s certainly the case, and if we can agree something we will, if not we won’t.

“We are trying everything that we can but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not. I don’t know. It doesn’t depend only on us.

“Our intention is clear but the possibilities are affected by three parties.”

On the links to Watkins, Arteta responded: “You know I’m not going to talk about any individuals.

“As I said we are actively looking to find a solution in that position and we will see what the market brings.”

Arsenal host Manchester City on Sunday but could again be without goalkeeper David Raya, who missed the Champions League win over Girona with an injury.

He said: “It’s still uncertain. We have another session tomorrow, another 48 hours, so we have to wait and see.

“It’s a muscular issue so we have to wait and see.”

Meanwhile, defender Ben White is still not ready to return having been out since November.