Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the club is actively exploring the transfer market following a serious injury to Gabriel Jesus, who is believed to have suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
Jesus was stretchered off during the first half of Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round match against Manchester United, which the Gunners lost on penalties. His injury, coupled with the prolonged absence of Bukayo Saka, has deepened concerns about Arsenal's attacking options.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s north London derby against Tottenham, Arteta admitted the situation looks grim.
“I don’t want to confirm anything again until we have the final report this afternoon and I think it’s the doctor’s job to do that, but we were very worried straight away after the game and we are very worried today,” Arteta said.
The Gunners have struggled in recent matches, failing to secure a win in their last three outings across all competitions. They sit second in the Premier League, six points behind Liverpool, but were knocked out of the FA Cup and face a tough task to reach the League Cup final after a 2-0 loss to Newcastle at home.
Arsenal’s lack of a consistent goal scorer has been a major issue. Kai Havertz leads the team with seven Premier League goals this season, making Arsenal the only top-six side without a player in double figures.
Arteta acknowledged the need for reinforcements during the January transfer window.
“We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad, and that’s been since day one,” he said. “We would be naive not to do that because it’s an opportunity always to evolve the team, to improve the squad, and especially with the circumstances that we have. So yes, we are looking and we are trying, and let’s see what we are able to do.”
Arsenal will hope to strengthen their squad and regain momentum as they face a challenging stretch in the season.
