Mikel Arteta insists don't need to sign a striker in January transfer window to beat Liverpool to Premier League title

WHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal have been linked with a clutch of strikers in recent times, including Wolves' Matheus Cunha and Brighton's Evan Ferguson, as well as Athletic Club forward Nico Williams. The Gunners are said to be interested in signing a winger to replace the injured Bukayo Saka, but Arteta has scotched talk that they need to buy a striker to catch Liverpool, despite sitting six points behind the Reds.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Gunners have been boosted by Gabriel Jesus' return to form in recent weeks; the Brazilian has scored three goals in his last three Premier League outings. Kai Havertz has also scored seven goals in 17 games, leading Arteta to insist the club do not need to buy a centre-forward this month.

WHAT ARTETA SAID

Arteta told reporters: “I'm very happy with the players that we have. When you look at the amount of goals that we have scored as well, it is more than enough to win the Premier League. But the reality is somebody is doing more. And that is the reality of life so we have to do better.

"Signing somebody is not enough, that is for sure. That signing has to score then how many goals? A lot of things have to happen. That (January) market is much more limited than in the one summer, but I don't know.

"If something extraordinary is in the market that we can afford and we think will have a real impact on the team we have to be open for that possibility always. At the moment, the focus is on what we have.”

He added: "When you are in that moment you want to continue to play. Gabriel has had a massive step up in load in recent weeks. We are going to have to try and manage the players."

Arsenal

WHAT NEXT?

Arsenal face Brighton on Saturday as they bid to close the gap on Liverpool. The Reds don't play until Sunday, when they face Manchester United.