Arteta admits Arsenal ‘short on numbers’ despite £123m summer spend

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted the club remains light on personnel and is actively working to bolster both the depth and quality of the squad during the summer transfer window.

The North London side has already made several high-profile acquisitions, spending around £123.5 million to bring in Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Noni Madueke.

However, the Gunners are not finished yet. They are still in discussions over a potential £63.5 million move for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres and are also targeting Valencia’s young centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.

Arsenal had initially hoped to wrap up the deal for Gyokeres in time for their pre-season tour, but talks are ongoing. Arteta, speaking to the media in Singapore, remained tight-lipped on the Sweden international’s situation.

“I can’t discuss players who aren’t part of our squad yet,” he said. “If and when we have something definite, we’ll make it known.”

When asked whether any additional signings could link up with the team while on tour in Asia, Arteta remained optimistic: “There’s still plenty of time left in the window. We’re still active in the market.

“We’re short in terms of numbers, and we need to enhance the squad’s depth and overall quality. Until then, the focus is on the players currently with us – and I’m really happy with what I’ve seen over the past couple of weeks.”

Arsenal are currently in Singapore where they will face AC Milan and Newcastle before heading to Hong Kong for a showdown with rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Reflecting on the impact of the club’s new arrivals, Arteta said: “It’s like shaking the tree again. New signings bring energy and excitement. We’ve added some key players, and now the bar has to be raised. That’s exactly what we’re aiming for.”