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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the Gunners will actively assess January transfer options
Mikel Arteta has suggested Arsenal could dip into the January transfer market to address Arsenal's defensive injury woes and admitted: "We're Arsenal and we have to be looking at it: 'OK, 'What do we need?'"
Declan Rice was forced to fill in as a makeshift right-back against Brighton after injuries sidelined Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White.
England international White picked up a hamstring injury during the match against Wolves on December 13 and is yet to return to action, while Timber has also impressed in the role and Calafiori offers versatility across the back four.
In their quest for their first Premier League title since 2004, the Gunners splashed out nearly £250m in the summer, taking Arteta's total expenditure to a staggering £1bn. While Arsenal have loaned defenders Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia and Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen, they may consider bringing in another player on loan in January as they vie for four trophies.
When questioned about the potential for defensive reinforcements next month, Arteta responded: "I don't know, we're going to be aware of the situation and the timescale of certain players, if going from the front line then to the back line, but that's the depth that you need.
"When you look across the other clubs as well, they have 24, 25 squad players, and so there's nothing especially in our squad, the thing is that although we have more injuries than expected, some of them not avoidable I would say.
"But we want to be better and we know how important the part of having the right availability with players is going to play in this season. Depending, as I said, on the availability of certain players, so the window is there, I mean, we're Arsenal and we have to be looking at it, OK, 'What do we need?
"We have to be actively looking, and then can we do it or not, that's a different story, but our job is to be always very prepared because something can happen, so hopefully very positive."
During the summer, Arsenal brought in Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze.
This influx of talent has seen players such as Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly slide down the pecking order.
However, the necessity for a large squad was highlighted when Calafiori had to withdraw from the Brighton match during the pre-match warm-up, leading to Lewis-Skelly being called up from the bench. Martinelli also made an appearance in the second half.
The focus this season must be on Arsenal's immediate need for trophies, putting long-term player development on the back burner. It seems unlikely that the North London club will allow any players to depart in search of more game time.
"Again, we assess every situation," Arteta continued. "I leave that much more to Andrea [Berta] to understand what's happening in the market and then, individual players.
"Obviously, we have to assess where we are with each of them and get the best situation.
Gabriel Magalhaes made his return from the bench against Brighton, marking his first appearance since suffering an adductor injury while on international duty with Brazil last month.
Meanwhile, Arteta revealed that Kai Havertz is "quite close" to making a comeback from a knee injury.
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