Mikel Arteta: Arsenal will be ‘active’ in January to find Gabriel Jesus replacement

Mikel Arteta has admitted that Gabriel Jesus’ injury will push Arsenal to be “active” in the January transfer window as they look to cover the striker’s absence.

Jesus picked up a knee injury while on international duty for Brazil at the World Cup which required surgery.

Following the procedure, no time frame has been provided for his return although the summer signing from Manchester City is potentially looking at a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Speaking ahead of the Gunners’ return to Premier League action against West Ham on Boxing Day, Arteta said the club will be exploring their options.

“I never gave a date,” Arteta said with regard to Jesus’ time out. “I said we don’t know. It’s going to take some time for sure.

“Obviously he’s gone through surgery so that tells you the extent of the injury and we’ll be in the market, always active and we will assess the biggest opportunities that we have.”

He added: “We are going to be active. Active means we are always looking to strengthen the team.

“This squad doesn’t have the luxury of not maximising every single window and we have to do that because it’s really important.”

Arsenal have been linked with a number of attacking players in the window including Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, but Arteta refused to specify any names of potential targets.

“We want to get the right profile, the right player and a player who is really going to impact the team and take us to the next level”.

The Gunners currently sit top of the Premier League, five points clear of Manchester City ahead of the visit of West Ham.

However, having played just 14 league matches before the break for the World Cup, Arteta expects a difficult second half of the season if his side are to maintain their title challenge.

“The second part of the season is going to have very different periods,” he said. “There are going to be periods that you have time to train and periods where matches are going to come fast.

“It’s going to be very important how healthy the team is, how fit it is and how much rotation can help you sustain the level that we want.”

Arsenal had a number of players on duty during the World Cup including Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka representing Brazil and England respectively.

Arteta says that he is back to a full compliment of players following the tournament and pleased with the enthusiasm shown to get back into club action.

“They were all fine. They all came in good spirits, some earlier than expected,” he said.

“They were bursting to be back and be a part of it. I feel a really good energy around the place.