Arteta recently discussed the club's plans heading into January with sporting director Edu Gaspar expected to strengthen the squad with new signings. When asked about players leaving this winter, Arteta said: "Well at the moment, it is very difficult. We are really short.
"We have positions that we have been very exposed for the last six weeks and hopefully we are going to get players back. In what condition and when? That’s a question mark and as well because we have some long-term injuries still for certain players that give us a lot of versatility and that’s an issue."
In regards to new signings, Arteta continued: "That’s a different matter. We’re just focusing on the importance of tomorrow, Fulham and the FA Cup.
"Then we’ll have a break to assess and see. We have certain targets, ideas if things happen.
"As well, we don’t know how the squad is going to look in two weeks’ time and you have to be always prepared for that, but it is a very, very tricky market that shifts very quickly and it is quite unpredictable as well - and you have to be prepared. We will be prepared and we will try to make the right calls."
Arsenal have been linked with a number of players across various positions ahead of the January transfer window. A new striker, midfielder and defender could be on the club's agenda, but the Gunners could be forced into selling before they can buy in order to abide Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
According to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, Arsenal are interested in signing 18-year-old Kenan Yildiz from Juventus. The Italian side is willing to cash in on the youngster if the right offer arrives, as they need to raise funds.
The report adds it would take a fee of £34million to sign the Turkish attacker in January, and Juve will only accept a permanent move with a loan off the cards. This could prove to be a problem for Arsenal given they are facing pressure to abide FFP rules.
Arteta and Edu must decide which position and players to invest in mid-season, or whether they can raise enough funds to strengthen the squad by selling fringe players. Cedric Soares, Jakub Kiwior, Emile Smith Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale have all been linked with moves away from the Emirates Stadium - but it's been reported that Arteta will not sanction an exit for any of them given the ongoing Premier League title race.
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