Mikel Arteta: Arsenal squad one of the thinnest in Premier League, but January transfers difficult

The Gunners have spent more than most since Mikel Arteta's appointment but the manager says the squad is at a disadvantage in the title race

Mikel Arteta claims Arsenal are fighting for the title with "one of the thinnest squads" in the Premier League.

The Gunners are yet to make any signings this month due to financial constraints, and Arteta says that has left them "really thin in certain areas", despite the club racking up a net transfer spend of more than £400million over the past three years.

The manager has wanted to strengthen his forward line in the transfer market, while his squad also looks light in defence due to injuries.

Arsenal have spent more than most teams in the world since Mikel Arteta's appointment
Getty Images

Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest tonight knowing a win will move them to within two points of leaders Liverpool, who they host in a huge clash on Sunday. But Arteta believes a lack of depth has left Arsenal at a distinct disadvantage.

"We have one of the thinnest squads in the League, that's for sure," said the Spaniard. "And when you talk about the numbers, especially in certain areas, we are really thin.

"It wasn't possible [to do any January deals]. And now we didn't have the capacity to improve the team in the way that we think we want to improve it, so we decided not to do something yet."

Arteta has branded reports in Spain linking him to the Barcelona job as "totally fake news" and insisted he has no intention of ending his "beautiful journey" at Arsenal.

The Gunners boss is into the final 18 months of his contact, but is relaxed about his future.

When the time is right, we'll have those discussions and I'll think about the best way to do that.

Arteta on new contract talks

"I've got a strong relationship with the board, with [sporting director] Edu, the team, the ownership," said Arteta. "Things come in a natural way and we've always done it that way — and it's been done really well.

"When the time is right, we'll have those discussions and I'll think about the best way to do that."

After missing out on the title last season, Arteta insists he has unfinished business with Arsenal. He is excited about what the future holds for the Gunners because they have one of the youngest squads in the Premier League.

"That's one of the main reasons," he said. "Then the people that we work with, that's another one. The way that our fans, our supporters have invested in the team, the way they have dedicated their energy, their passion to transform the environment, that's a big reason as well.

"The other one is that, in general, there's still a lot to squeeze from every department; in every aspect we can become much bigger and better than we are. I have a strong belief and I think we are on the right path. We have to be on our toes and take every opportunity, because the competitors are also ruthless. We have to be on top of everything if we want to achieve that."

Luton Town v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Gabriel and Declan Rice are expected to be fit
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Arsenal hope to have Declan Rice and Gabriel (above) available for tonight's game after they were forced off in the 5-0 win over Crystal Palace last time out. Gabriel took a knock to his knee, while Rice was complaining of a tight hamstring.

Thomas Partey is not in the squad, despite returning to full training last week. The midfielder has been out since October with a thigh injury and Arteta says he is trying "everything" to get back.

"He is a player who can impact the team in a really powerful way," he said. "We need him fit and available. We are better when Thomas is in the team. He has been very, very professional. He has evolved and adapted to things he is doing in different ways.

"Injuries are part of football and are hard to control. Sometimes the harder you try, the worse you make it. Hopefully, he is going to be in a position to make an impact for the team."

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