Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal are still a ‘little short’ in forward areas

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that the club is still “a little short” in attacking options as the transfer window approaches its final week.

The Gunners have made two signings this summer, with goalkeeper David Raya finalising a permanent move, and Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori joining on a five-year deal.

Additionally, a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino is reportedly close to completion, marking their third signing of the window.

Despite these additions, Arteta has hinted that further reinforcements in the forward line may be necessary.

Speaking after Arsenal secured their second win in as many Premier League matches, Arteta suggested that a striker could be next on the club’s transfer agenda.

Goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey helped secure a significant 2-0 victory over Aston Villa – a side that had defeated Arsenal twice last season.

However, Arsenal’s triumph was hard-fought. Goalkeeper Raya made a crucial save before the game swung in the Gunners’ favour in the latter stages.

Notably, Arsenal were without Gabriel Jesus, who missed the match due to a minor groin injury sustained in training.

Arteta hinted that Jesus’ absence could influence the club’s plans in the transfer market as they look to bolster their attacking depth.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “We are really happy with the squad.

“It’s true we had an injury with Gabriel Jesus and we missed him.

“We are a little bit short and if we can do something then we will do it.

“I was watching the games today and every game is a big fight, the standard of the league has gone to another level again with the level of coaches.

“We have two from two and we’ll concentrate on Brighton.”

Asked if Arsenal had enough quality in their squad to finally win the title this season, Arteta added: “If everybody is fit, yes.

“But that’s why we need good availability from everybody.

“We don’t have 23 outfield players and normally you have to be equipped like that.

“We know we’re not going to get there.

“We have to trust some academy players and make sure that we look after the ones that we have to be robust and play a lot of minutes.

“So far looking good, I’m happy.”

Arsenal’s strength in depth was highlighted at Villa Park when Trossard came off the bench to score with his first touch, before playing a pivotal role in Partey’s second goal.

Despite his immediate impact, the Belgian appeared less than thrilled with his own achievement, likely frustrated at being left out of the starting XI for the second consecutive weekend.

However, Arteta showed little sympathy, reiterating to his players that everyone must fight for their place in an increasingly competitive squad.

He added: “We’ve talked about that, the competition is big.

“We have great players in each position and they’re going to have to accept that.

“And we have a huge season ahead of us, a long one.

“And you need players to impact it.

“He [Trossard] did it last year when he started and when he was a sub, today we had to do that and he’s given us a headache now for the weekend [against Brighton].”

Read more: Why Aston Villa vs Arsenal was delayed

Erik ten Hag points finger at defence after Manchester United defeat to Brighton

Erik Ten Hag explains Mason Mount substitution against Brighton