Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed disappointment over the club’s failure to strengthen their squad during the winter transfer window but commended the management’s disciplined approach to player recruitment.

The Gunners were linked with potential attacking reinforcements following Gabriel Jesus’ season-ending ACL injury and the continued absence of Bukayo Saka due to a hamstring issue. However, no deals materialized before the window closed.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle on Wednesday, Arteta stated:

“We had a clear intention which is always when a window opens to explore the opportunities to improve our squad with players that can make an impact.

“With players injured, we’ve been impacted and we haven’t achieved it. We are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that as well. I think that we were.”

Despite the challenges, Arteta emphasized the importance of staying true to Arsenal’s recruitment philosophy.

“It’s in the profile, a player that we believe can make us much better. Financially there is a lot of ways, a lot of things that we must stay in the lane that has taken us this far and from there try to improve.”

Arsenal face a difficult task in Wednesday’s semi-final after a 2-0 defeat in the first leg against Newcastle.

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has expressed confidence that Arsenal can still beat Liverpool to the Premier League title this season, despite facing challenges with injuries and a quiet January transfer window.

The Gunners trail Liverpool by six points, with the Reds holding a game in hand. However, Neville remains optimistic about Arsenal’s title hopes.

Speaking as quoted on Arsenal News Channel, Neville said: “It’s a difficult window to do business in, and the type of striker Arsenal need is a significant one, and those players aren’t available. Ollie Watkins would have hit the ground running at Arsenal, but you need to be world-class to get into that team.”

He praised Arsenal’s patience and strategic management:
“I can see why they are being patient. Liverpool did the same with Martin Zubimendi. Both Arsenal and Liverpool are being run pretty well. They won’t panic.”

Neville emphasized that Arsenal’s chances hinge on staying competitive if Liverpool falters:
“Arsenal can still win the title. It’s a long shot, but they just need to be there if Liverpool slip up. Injuries happen to big players in football, and the loss of Van Dijk or Salah would disrupt [Liverpool].”

Arsenal’s next challenge comes on Wednesday in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals against Newcastle United, who hold a 2-0 advantage from the first leg.

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has suggested that Arsenal should have signed either Jhon Duran or Alexander Isak during the January transfer window to enhance Martin Odegaard’s game.

Odegaard, a key figure for Arsenal over the past four seasons, recently scored in the Gunners’ emphatic 5-1 Premier League victory against Manchester City.

Speaking on The Overlap, Scholes highlighted the potential impact of a top-quality striker on Odegaard’s performance.

“Imagine him with a centre forward, though. With a proper centre forward,” Scholes said.

“Martin Odegaard is a brilliant player, he can put a ball anywhere he wants. He hasn’t got that in front of him, a No. 10 needs that in front of him.

“I don’t think Kai Havertz is that type of player, even though he might make the odd run here and there.

“You are thinking Isak or Duran, the lad from Villa. If he had that in front of him, it makes him become a better player as well because he’s more involved with goals.”

Duran recently moved from Aston Villa to Al Nassr, while Isak remains at Newcastle United despite past links to Arsenal and Chelsea.