Arteta Backs Arsenal Squad Despite Failure To Land Marquee Forward

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed his squad to deliver despite the club’s failure to sign a top-class forward during the summer transfer window.

The Premier League champions missed out on several attacking targets, including Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez, while Greek winger Christos Tzolis was their only major attacking addition from Club Brugge.

Arsenal have also lost Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, leaving Arteta with fewer options in attack.

However, the Spaniard dismissed concerns over the club’s recruitment and insisted he remained satisfied with the players at his disposal.

“I love the players that we have, that is for sure,” Arteta told reporters on Friday. “It is what it is, this is what we have and we already have some very, very good players.

“Let’s trust them and let’s make sure we are right behind them, and I will do everything we can to help the incredible talent that we have.”

Asked whether Arsenal had missed an opportunity to bring in a world-class forward, Arteta said such assessments were merely opinions and that his focus was now on the squad.

“I don’t know. These are just opinions,” he said. “The window is closed and I prefer to look at all the incredible things that we have in the squad and not spend any more time on things that are not a part of us right now.”

Arteta Satisfied with Recruitment

Following Arsenal’s agonising Champions League final defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in May, Arteta called for the club to be “very ambitious, very fast and very smart” in the transfer market.

The manager believes Arsenal achieved those objectives despite failing to secure all their preferred targets.

“One hundred per cent ticked,” Arteta said when asked whether the club had met his transfer expectations. “The outcome after can be different to what you expect, but the intention was certainly there which is what I value most.”

Among Arsenal’s arrivals were Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa, while Piero Hincapie joined permanently after spending last season on loan at the club.

Martinelli’s departure to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal in a reported £60 million deal brought an end to his seven-year spell in north London, during which he made almost 300 appearances.

Arteta paid tribute to the Brazilian winger, saying: “He goes with our gratitude. It’s been a pleasure to work with him, to be part of this journey with him.”

Injury Concerns Ahead of Chelsea Clash

Arsenal face Chelsea on Sunday, with both London rivals having opened the Premier League season with two victories.

Arteta, however, has injury concerns ahead of the derby.

Bruno Guimaraes and Cristhian Mosquera picked up injuries during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory at Aston Villa on Monday and will be given until Saturday’s training session to prove their fitness.

Jurrien Timber is also nearing a return from a groin problem and could feature for the first time since the Champions League final.

“We’ll decide tomorrow (Saturday) after training. He’s in really good condition at the moment,” Arteta said.