Arsenal finally given green light for January deal after awkward Mikel Arteta remark

With the January transfer window rapidly closing, Arsenal are on the hunt for a new striker. With just 10 days left until the deadline on Monday, February 3, the Gunners have yet to make any signings or departures this winter.

However, the need for a forward is becoming increasingly apparent at the Emirates Stadium. Potential targets such as Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have been linked with a move to north London, but their high transfer fees could prove a stumbling block in a window not known for bargain deals.

Despite this, Arteta has given the club's hierarchy the go-ahead to secure a deal, citing a "short" squad and the necessity of a fresh face, albeit the right one. The topic of transfers dominated his pre-match press conference ahead of the Wolves game this weekend in the Premier League.

In a somewhat unusual exchange with a reporter about the need for a forward, the Arsenal boss was asked: "There's so much noise outside the club about Arsenal needing to sign a forward but you clearly don't share that same sentiment, do you think it's essential that you sign a forward or would you be very happy not?"

Arteta was momentarily taken aback when confronted with the suggestion that he "clearly doesn't share that same sentiment" regarding Arsenal's need for a striker. The Arsenal boss appeared confused and frowned, questioning: "I don't share what? Have I ever said no to a striker?"

The Sky Sports reporter clarified: "No but you don't feel it's a necessity do you?" to which Arteta responded: "How do you say that?"

The exchange continued, with the reporter probing further, "Do you feel it's a necessity?" Arteta, still puzzled, replied: "I don't understand the question."

A breakthrough came when the reporter rephrased: "I'm saying so many people outside the club think Arsenal have to sign a forward."

This prompted Arteta to clarify his stance: "So what is my opinion that's what you're asking? Ok. My opinion is clear, we lost two very important players in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus so we lack goals, we lack people, we lack options in the front line, it's clear.

"If we can get the right player, that's what we're actively looking at. Any player? No. Someone that makes us better and has an impact on the team. We need some help, we're very short already but the team is coping. We have to do what is right for