Arteta’s six-word message to Edu outlines Arsenal boss’ transfer plans

Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta has made his hopes for January clear to Edu (Image: GETTY)Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has again made it clear he feels his squad is not deep enough. In a message to Gunners transfer chief Edu, Arteta has expressed “we don’t have that many players”.Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League table, two points clear of reigning champions Manchester City. They need just a point against PSV Eindhoven this evening to secure top spot in Group A of the Europa League.However, playing every three or four days could be catching up with the north Londoners. Their second-half performances against Leeds and Southampton recently showed a clear drop off, culminating in a disappointing 1-1 draw at St Mary’s.Arsenal travelled to Eindhoven on Wednesday and Arteta was asked at his pre-match press conference about his team selection in the competition so far. Arsenal have fielded relatively strong XIs but Arteta insists he has no other choice.READ MORE: Chelsea boss Potter told he needs one signing to challenge for titleHe replied: “We don’t have that many players! We bring the players that we have and we have brought four kids with us so we cannot even make up the squad, but we need to put 11 players out and they need to play – we cannot change those 11 players every game.”With the January transfer window around the corner, perhaps Arteta is hoping technical director Edu will have a busy month. Arsenal have already been linked with a host of targets heading into the winter window and have reportedly set aside £50m to splash out on new players.The Gunners have just 21 first-team outfield players but have been without Mohamed Elneny and Emile Smith Rowe for much of the season, while Oleksandr Zinchenko remains on the sidelines with a calf issue. Arteta has therefore perhaps played the likes of Granit Xhaka more often than he would have wanted this season.DON’T MISSMan Utd’s expensive trend highlights issue Ten Hag is struggling to controlChelsea can build unstoppable new midfield but it may cost Boehly fortuneBarcelona may sell six stars in January after falling out of Champions LeagueWIN A FREE ENGLAND SHIRT FOR THE WORLD CUP! Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta and Edu have worked well together since 2019 (Image: EXPRESS)