Arteta keeps Arsenal transfer plans open but warns quality options are scarce

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are still working to strengthen their squad this summer but has warned supporters that further signings cannot be guaranteed, with only a small number of available players capable of improving his team.

Arsenal drew 1-1 with Como in a friendly at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening before beating the side managed by Cesc Fabregas in a penalty shootout.

Bruno Guimaraes made his first appearance for Arsenal following his £75m move from Newcastle United, while Christos Tzolis was given more pre-season playing time after joining the club for £34m this summer.

Arsenal remain in the market for a defensive replacement after William Saliba suffered a back injury. The Premier League champions are also looking to add further attacking options after missing out on Vinicius Junior, who extended his contract with Real Madrid earlier this month.

However, Arteta said the final stages of the summer transfer window could prove difficult for clubs attempting to complete more deals.

“There is more that we want to do because every time we have the opportunity to improve the squad and add more quality and depth to it, we need to do that,” Arteta said after the Como match, according to the Metro.

“But we are working very hard to do that. Things in the market do not depend on you alone, and we are very clear about that.”

He added: “But the club’s approach, will and desire, that is not in question, and we want to try to do that.”

Arteta again stressed that Arsenal could not promise further additions, because the club did not control every factor involved in negotiations.

“But we cannot promise that we are going to do it, because, again, it does not only depend on us,” he said.

The Arsenal manager also indicated that the club would only pursue players who could make a meaningful difference to the squad, rather than add depth for its own sake.

“To improve the margins, there are very few players available in the market who are able to do that and provide that for the club,” he said.

“But we are working very hard to improve that and we will try.”

Arsenal’s activity has already brought Guimaraes into Arteta’s midfield group, while Tzolis has continued his preparations with the team during pre-season. The draw with Como provided another opportunity for both players to build their understanding of the squad before the competitive campaign begins.

Arteta also declined to discuss speculation surrounding Miles Lewis-Skelly, who has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United this week.

“I’m not going to talk about any speculation,” Arteta said.

“If there is speculation about our players, it is a good sign. It means that we are attracting attention and that they are doing a good job.”