Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted he cannot promise any further signings this summer, stating that only "very few players" in the market could improve his squad. The admission comes after the Premier League champions missed out on Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, who extended his contract with the Spanish club earlier this month.
Arteta's comments followed Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Como in a pre-season friendly at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, a match the Gunners won on penalties. The game saw Bruno Guimaraes make his debut in an Arsenal shirt following his £75 million move from Newcastle United, while £34m summer signing Christos Tzolis was given further pre-season minutes.
Arteta: 'We cannot promise' more signings
Speaking after the match, Arteta acknowledged the club's desire to strengthen but stressed the difficulty of the market. "There is more that we want to do because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth to the squad, we need to do that," he said. "But we are actively trying to do so. The thing in the market, it doesn't just depend on you, and we are very clear on that."
Arteta added: "But the approach, the will and the desire of the club, that's unquestionable, and we want to try to do that. But we cannot promise that we're going to do it because, again, it doesn't only depend on us. For the margins to improve there are very few players in the market who are available to do that and bring that to the club. But again, we are actively looking to improve that and we are going to try."
Defensive and attacking gaps remain
Arsenal remain in the market for defensive cover following William Saliba's back injury, while the club is still looking to strengthen Arteta's attacking options after failing to land Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian's contract extension with Real Madrid ended Arsenal's pursuit, leaving the Gunners to explore other targets.
The friendly against Como also saw Myles Lewis-Skelly score Arsenal's goal in the first half, celebrating by making the shape of a heart with his hands towards the crowd. The 19-year-old has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United this week, but Arteta refused to address the speculation.
Arteta on Lewis-Skelly speculation
"I'm not going to talk about any speculation," Arteta said. "If there is a speculation about our players, that's a good sign. That means that we attract attention and they're doing a good job."
Arsenal's summer business so far includes the arrivals of Guimaraes and Tzolis, but the squad remains short in key areas. With the transfer window closing soon, Arteta's warning suggests fans should temper expectations for further incomings, though the club continues to search for opportunities to improve.
