Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal will be looking to bolster their squad in the January transfer window.
The Spaniard only took charge of the Gunners on December 20, but with injuries ravaging his players, he may need to take action in the transfer market to ensure he can mount a challenge for European football in the second half of the season.
In his first few first three games in charge, Arteta has been without Hector Bellerin, Kieran Tierney and Calum Chambers was forced off against Chelsea with what looked like a knee injury.
Sead Kolasinac has also been struggling for fitness and although he played the majority of the Gunner's victory over Manchester United, he limped off to be replaced by Bukayo Saka.
"That we're going to try to be in the market to see options that can strengthen the team. That's for sure. That's our obligation. We're going to be working on that," Arteta said.
"My obligation is to give my opinion on the things I think we can improve.
"Obviously we have some bad injury with Calum [Chambers] a few days ago that is going to change our plans at the back. But the reality at the moment is we're not going to be able to do much.
"I'm more concerned at the moment to get people back from injuries than signings and try to improve the players we have here, get everybody on board with what we're trying to do. If something extra comes up and we think it's the right opportunity let's do it.
"He's (Chambers) in London. He's having surgery. We will know more about that this afternoon when he comes back from the theatre."
As injuries mount, RB Leipzig's Dayot Upamecano is a name that football.london reported would be targeted following Chambers' injury vs Chelsea. The 21-year-old has starred for the German side since arriving in 2017 but has really come of age this season.
In the heart of the Leipzig defence, the Frenchman is averaging 2.5 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game as he has helped them reach the top of the Bundesliga. The sit two points ahead of Borussia Monchengladbach and four points ahead of Bayern.
However, since Arteta has arrived at Arsenal, there have been real improvements in defensive performances despite only winning one game.
David Luiz in particular has stepped up recently having great games against Chelsea and Manchester United. He made two tackles, four clearances and an interception vs United for instance as he helped lead Arsenal to a commanding victory.
Even though there has been an improvement defensively, there's no hiding the fact that Arsenal's backline is stretched thin at the moment. With Arteta aware of that, he and the Arsenal hierarchy are ready to make moves if needed in January.
