Mikel Arteta has admitted to during the January transfer window.

Like , the Gunners saw out a quiet deadline day without any new additions. Unlike though, it seems was keen to add to his options, particularly up front.

With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus out injured, and questions persisting over Kai Havertz’s ability to lead the line, Arsenal were linked with a number of strikers over the past month or so. A bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins was turned down, while the Gunners decided not to follow up on their interest in Mathys Tel, with the Bayern Munich forward joining Tottenham on loan instead.

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as they try to chase down Liverpool in the title race. They currently sit six points behind, with the Reds still holding a game in hand, having just overcome what .

“We had a clear intention which is always there is a window open to explore the opportunities to improve our squad with players that can impact it,” Arteta said ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup second leg against Newcastle.

“We haven’t achieved it so we are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that and I think we will.”

Asked if he saw the failure to sign a striker as a gamble, Arteta added: “It’s not a gamble, it’s reality. I think we have to face the reality as well that we have. So we’re going to have to evolve there as well and have more and have more players from the academy and the ones that are here to be fitted longer.

“That’s a job that is permanent and it keeps evolving and we need to be on our toes. We’re going to have to be very flexible in the front line and now the ones that we have and are fit, make sure that they stay fit and they keep contributing.”

Liverpool.com says: There’s no doubt that Arsenal needed to make a signing more than Liverpool during the January window. With Saka not expected back anytime soon, there is a big question mark over where their goals are going to come from, even after demolishing Manchester City.

Liverpool will be thrilled Arsenal didn’t manage to secure a new striker. Now it’s up to the Reds to make sure they stay ahead in the race for the title, and potentially have it wrapped up before the Gunners visit Anfield in May.