Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are still actively looking for signings, but he has also made clear that the club cannot guarantee another deal before the window closes. The message is straightforward enough. Arsenal want more quality, and they are aware that the market may not make it easy.

Arteta's latest transfer message

Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta said: "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 then added: "We are actively trying to do so. The thing in the market is that it doesn't just depend on you. We are very clear on that. But the approach, the will and the desire of the club, that's unquestionable. We want to try to do that. But we cannot promise that we're going to do it because it doesn't only depend on us."

That is the key point. Arsenal are pushing, but Arteta is not selling certainty. He also said there are very few players available in the market who can improve Arsenal's margins, which is as close as you get to a public warning that the club may have to wait for the right deal rather than force one.

Guimaraes gives Arsenal a boost

The club have already moved once, completing the £75m signing of Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle. He made his first appearance for Arsenal in the friendly against Como just four days after arriving, and Arteta said he looked good after only three training sessions.

His numbers explain why Arsenal moved. Guimaraes has made 5 appearances this season, with 4 assists and a 7.11 average rating across those games. That is the profile of a player who can walk into a squad and raise the standard immediately, even if the wider transfer market is tightening around him.

Arteta said he senses "a strong connection at play that is going to make us better". That fits the logic of the signing. Arsenal have added quality, but they are still sounding out whether there is room for one more attacking move before the window shuts.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →