Mikel Arteta offers update on Arsenal's 'targets and ideas' ahead of January transfer window

The Spanish manager admitted that the club have prepared a shortlist of players whom they would try to sign in the upcoming transfer window but claimed that they are in no position to sell or send any player on loan as they need more players in their squad to strengthen their bench.

Speaking to reporters, Arteta said, "At the moment it’s very difficult. We are really short. There are positions where we’ve been exposed in the last few weeks. Hopefully, we’ll get players back - in what condition and when that’s a different condition."

He added, "Yeah we have certain targets and ideas. We don’t know how the squad is going to look in two weeks. It’s a very tricky market that shifts quite quickly. If there is something that can improve the squad, we’re always going to be open to do that."

The Gunners are currently missing the services of several important players namely, Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira, Jorginho, and Takehiro Tomiyasu due to injuries. They were leading the Premier League title race on Christmas day after holding Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday. But they lost their place at the top after the Reds beat Burnley 2-0 on Tuesday.

Arteta's side who have won just once in their last three Premier League outings, will go all out for three points on Thursday when they take on West Ham United at Emirates Stadium.