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Mikel Arteta has hinted at making January transfers after conceding he has a ‘short squad’ following Arsenal’s defeat to Brighton.
The Gunners were dumped out of the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday night after losing 3-1 to the Seagulls at the Emirates Stadium.
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In what was a second string side, Arteta made ten changes for the encounter, but his decision to rotate his squad backfired.
Eddie Nketiah fired Arsenal ahead with a brilliant curling strike, before former employer Danny Welbeck equalised from the penalty spot.
Second-half goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Tariq Lamptey secured the victory for the visitors in what was a poor performance from the hosts.
And speaking after the clash, Arteta was asked whether Arsenal need to strengthen in January.
To which the Spaniard said: “That’s the squad that we have and we have to utilise in the best possible way and today we came short, especially because we didn’t do what we have to do in both boxes to win a football match.
“We paid that price. It’s the same squad as when we win.
“I said from day one that we have a short squad because at the end we left some players. It’s what we have.
“If everyone’s available and no one is injured we are OK, but the moment there is, we know what it is.
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“It’s nothing new. I think I said it the first day after the transfer window.”
Pressed further on whether Arsenal will be active in the New Year, Arteta remarked: “That’s a window that is open.
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“We’ll have to discuss the opportunities that we have, the capacity that we have for any changes and be on the market for opportunities.
“Because we don’t know what’s going to happen the last game before the World Cup.
“So it’s a lot of options that are open.”
Arsenal have been linked with a host of names in January, with Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk a reported target.
Meanwhile Orlando City forward Facundo Torres is also claimed to be on the club’s radar after his impressive first year in MLS.
And Palmeiras midfielder Danilo is believed to be of interest with the Brazilian outfit ready to cash in on the player.
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