Mikel Arteta 'expects' Arsenal to sign a creative midfielder this January, according to reports.
The claim emerges just days after Arteta played down Arsenal needing to bring in new recruits this month as his "main signing" Thomas Partey is on the verge of a return.
"We are in January and I think he's played two and a half games. That's all and he was our main signing. We've been missing him," said Arteta. "He brings something different to the team, he's a player with an enormous talent.
"But as well someone that can transform the team the way we want. It's great if we can have him, keep him healthy and I think he will contribute in a really positive way."
Arsenal were originally linked with Real Madrid midfielder Isco, but Emile Smith Rowe's recent performances playing as a number 10 has seen Arteta reconsider his stance.
The Gunners have now turned their attention to Norwich star Emiliano Buendia, but the midfielder could cost Arsenal as much as £40million.
A player-plus-cash transfer has been mooted as a result, which could see either Joe Willock or Reiss Nelson go the other way.
It's currently unclear how hard Arsenal will push to get their man this month, but according to CBS Sports, Arteta 'expects' to sign someone.
The Spaniard will be buoyed by the fact that Gunners technical director Edu appears to be on the same page, admitting in December Arsenal need a creative mind in midfield.
"It's quit clear what we need," said Edu, at a fans' forum. "We need a player with creativity in the middle, we don't have that in the squad right now."
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