Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal could bring in a left back this January.
Sead Kolasinac left the club at the very beginning of the window to join Schalke for the remainder of the season, leaving them somewhat short in the position.
While the Gunners have Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Bukayo Saka and Cedric Soares who can play in the role, there is no orthodox cover for Kieran Tierney.
With this in mind Arteta admitted that Arsenal are looking at the possibility of bringing in more solid competition for the Scot.
"With the departure of Kola we’re a little bit short with a left footed full back at the moment," he said in his press conference ahead of the Gunners' FA Cup tie with Southampton on Saturday.
"We can use Ainsley there, we can use Bukayo there, we can use Cedric who’s played in that position. We have some options.
"But a natural option to Kieran obviously we don’t, but we can adapt."
When pressed on whether this meant his side would be looking to bring in a left footed left back this January the Spaniard replied: "That means that that option is open. We will be looking to see what is available."
Kieran Tierney has been one of Arsenal's best players this season, creating more opportunities from open play than any of his teammates despite being a defender.
However, in his absence for the 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace last Thursday the Gunners really struggled.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles - who has played left wing back for Mikel Arteta's side in the FA Cup final and was man of the match in the Community shield in the position - was drafted in as cover, but failed to replicate Tierney's quality delivery on his weaker left foot.
It is not currently clear who the Gunners will be targeting this window to bring in as a potential cover for the Scottish international.
