Mikel Arteta insists he 'fully trusts' Arsenal squad ahead of January transfer window

Mikel Arteta has reasserted his faith in the current Arsenal squad ahead of the January transfer window.

As was the case this time last year, supporters are hopeful the club are busy in the winter window to aid a stuttering Premier League title challenge. Many expected a striker to arrive last January, but Arsenal stuck to their guns and were eventually vindicated by Kai Havertz's breakthrough as a number nine.

2024/25 has been an odd campaign for the Gunners thus far, and it's fair to say it hasn't quite gone to plan. Arsenal are six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool but are a home win away from the Carabao Cup semi-finals and look set to progress automatically for the Champions League round of 16.

This was a season in which supporters expected so much following back-to-back second-place finishes. Manchester City have faltered drastically, but Arsenal are yet to take full advantage. Their inability to turn draws into wins as a result of uninspiring final-third play has hindered their progress this term.

Hence why fans are keen for attacking reinforcements to arrive this winter.

Mikel Arteta insists he 'fully trusts' Arsenal squad ahead of January transfer window

Arteta previously hinted that Arsenal would be open for business in January, but he offered a more coy response in regards to potential signings this winter ahead of Crystal Palace's midweek visit.

“I fully trust the squad and our players and the amount of situations and things we generate in the match, how little we concede. I fully trust my players," the Spaniard said in his pre-match press conference (via @afcstuff).

Arsenal have often exuded impressive control in matches this season, but there has been an undeniable reliance on set-pieces. They haven't scored an open-play goal in their last three league outings, with draws against Fulham and Everton meaning Arteta's side have failed to capitalise on Liverpool's recent dropping of points.

The Gunners' current issues must be attributed to both the coach and playing personnel. Arteta hasn't quite stumbled upon the optimal dynamics down the left-hand side, but many will suggest that upgrades are required in key positions.

In response to whether Arsenal could bring in a marquee addition next month, Arteta said: “It will depend on what player it is, the value of that player, if there is any other movements in the squad or not, so it’s very difficult to answer.”

January is notoriously a tricky time to conduct business, especially when you're trying to prise away the most lucrative talent. However, Arsenal have worked savvily in the past by bringing in the likes of Jorginho and Leandro Trossard midway through the season. Such astuteness will be required this time around to appease an expectant fanbase.

READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS HERE!