Mikel Arteta has revealed that several players are set to leave Arsenal on loan in the coming transfer window.
The window reopens on January 2nd and the Gunners are expected to try and bring in some new faces to build on the momentum of back-to-back victories in the Premier League.
However, it also seems that trimming their bloated squad, is as much of a priority next month.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Arsenal's trip to West Brom, Arteta revealed that he is expecting a number of players to go out on loan.
"Well, we have a large squad. We knew that," he said.
"A lot of things that should have happened in the summer we could not accomplish them for different reasons.
"There are a lot of players that are going to go on loan. They are going to leave.
"And that’s the priority at the moment because we cannot sustain the numbers that we have in certain positions We are looking to do that."
Sead Kolasinac is expected to be the first to depart on loan. football.london understands that he has agreed personal terms for a temporary move to his former club Schalke.
Arteta also revealed that if Arsenal are successful in getting some of their unwanted players out of the club, then they will look to strengthen by adding some new faces to the squad.
"And then we will see if we have the right opportunities in the positions that we need some more help we are working with the club to try to address them," he said.
"Obviously financially it’s only us, it’s every club in the Premier League that have been in hit with big numbers.
"We know that this is not going to change in the last year or so. That we are gonna have to add somehow if we’re going to improve the team in different ways financially with some support.
"And we will decide whether this is with loans or buying players in relation to the opportunities we will have in the market."
Real Madrid midfielder Isco is among the names being linked with the Emirates right now.
Arsenal's technical director Edu admitted the club are looking strengthen in the central attacking midfield position, and the Spaniard is viewed as the ideal man for the job.
