As the hunt intensifies for a fresh striker during this January's transfer window, Arteta acknowledged his attacking ranks are in desperate need of reinforcements.
However, it's not solely the scouting team or analytics influencing the Gunners' market moves; Arteta is turning to the wisdom within his squad, seeking advice from experienced players on where to bolster the team.
"They've all been there, we have very short numbers for many weeks, they recognise the situation," Arteta explained. "Sometimes I consult the players on signings, especially if they know them. It's away from the computer and the data, they can sense it, they know about them.
"A player can score a lot of goals, great. How does this player react when he hasn’t scored for six or seven games? This is what I am interested in. Watch an interview with a player who hasn’t scored for six games, and then what kind of goals does he score?
"Against which teams in which context? Is it first half or second half? Is it only with his right foot, only headers, only in open spaces? Does he like the physical contact of this league? There are a lot of things. So when you have a player that has spent a lot of days with him, that is really valuable information to have."
Benjamin Sesko remains one of Arsenal's top targets
Arteta is on a mission to inject further quality and depth into his squad, warning of the pressing need to secure new talent as injuries mount.
Acknowledging the connections that his players may have with targets, the Spaniard concluded: "There are quite a lot of cases in the squad because they have played with each other or in their national teams. Or I know someone very close to them who has been their coach. They are good conversations to have."
With Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka facing spells on the sidelines, there is a newfound urgency from Arsenal in the transfer market. The North London outfit trails six points behind Liverpool in the title race, and they do not want their lack of attacking options to derail their charge.
Arteta's transfer list includes RB Leipzig's hotshot Benjamin Sesko and Brighton's Evan Ferguson, but he's adamant only the right fit will do, explaining: "If we can get the right player, that’s why we are actively looking at it. Any player, no. Someone that makes us better and has an impact in the team."
Admitting the existing gaps, he remains focused on the club's interests: "We were short already and now we are even shorter. The team still copes with that. We have to do what is right for the club. It doesn't just depend on Arsenal, on Mikel or our will. It depends on the market and a lot of different factors
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