Mikel Arteta has stated that Gabriel Jesus’ long-term knee injury has significantly altered Arsenal’s January transfer plans. The Gunners are now facing a shortage of attacking options and are actively pursuing several key targets, including Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

The recent news regarding Jesus, who ruptured his ACL during Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round defeat to Manchester United, has dealt a severe blow to their title ambitions. Jesus is expected to miss most of 2025, and with Bukayo Saka also sidelined until at least March due to hamstring surgery, Arteta acknowledged the impact on the team’s creativity and unpredictability.

Arteta said, “The news of Gabi takes the scenario to another dimension. We have lost two very creative, very important players, so that has an impact on the team. We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. It would be naive not to.”

While the team is hopeful about bringing in new talent, Arteta emphasized that integrating a new player into the squad is not a guaranteed solution. “There is not one player that can come in today and perform,” he noted.

Arsenal is reportedly on the verge of signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi for £51 million, having triggered his release clause. Talks are said to be at an advanced stage, with Zubimendi having been a long-term target for the club.

In terms of squad fitness, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri is recovering rapidly from a hamstring strain, while Jurrien Timber and Jorginho are fit to face Tottenham. Arteta also hinted at a potential mid-season training trip to Dubai, following last year’s successful break that helped revitalize the team’s form.