As the January transfer window swings open, the clamor for Arsenal to make a marquee signing to bolster their Premier League title challenge has reached a fever pitch. However, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has issued a stark warning that new arrivals alone will not be enough to sustain their push for a first league crown since 2004.
Arsenal currently sit six points adrift of leaders Liverpool, albeit with a game in hand, but many fans and pundits believe the squad needs reinforcing to maintain their unexpected title tilt. Top strikers like Benjamin Sesko, Alexander Isak, and Viktor Gyökeres have all been linked, yet Arteta cautions against viewing a new forward as a panacea.
Goals Not the Issue, Consistency Is
Arteta pointed to Arsenal’s impressive goal tally in 2024 as evidence that firepower is not the problem. The Gunners netted 114 times last year, an average of 2.28 goals per game – their best return since 1963.
“Signing somebody is not enough, that’s for sure because that signing has to score then how many goals? A lot of things have to happen,” Arteta explained. “I am very happy with the players that we have. When you look at the amount of goals we have scored, it is more than enough to win the Premier League.”
– Mikel Arteta
Instead, the Spaniard believes Arsenal’s title aspirations hinge on discovering the “tiny details” that can flip key moments in their favor and maintaining relentless consistency. Despite being “the best team in the league” last year by various metrics, the Gunners still came up short.
“The reality is if somebody is doing more, we have to be better. All we have to be is show the same level of consistency and a bit more, because the last year we have been the best team in the league, broken various records and still haven’t won a major trophy so something is missing.”
– Mikel Arteta
Contract Concerns for Key Midfielders
Beyond the focus on potential incomings, Arteta also faces a battle to secure the futures of key midfield duo Jorginho and Thomas Partey. Both have entered the final six months of their contracts, meaning they can now negotiate with overseas clubs.
Arteta admitted it was “not what I want” to have two integral players in this situation, but urged them to focus on the campaign rather than get distracted by their own futures for now. Talks are expected to gather pace in the coming weeks though, with Arsenal determined not to lose either on a free transfer.
The Road Ahead
Arsenal’s next test of their title credentials comes with a tricky trip to Brighton on Saturday. The Gunners will be buoyed by the return of Kai Havertz from illness, while defender Ben White is also nearing a comeback after responding well to the early stages of rehab following knee surgery.
As the business end of the season looms, Arteta knows Arsenal cannot rely on the transfer market for salvation. His message is clear – new signings would be welcome, but the keys to a title triumph lie in unlocking the “tiny details” and “flipping the coin” their way in the decisive moments that will define their season.
