'We are disappointed' - Mikel Arteta admits frustration after Arsenal failed to sign a single player in January transfer window despite manager's repeated pleas

Mikel Arteta has expressed his disappointment at Arsenal's failure to sign a single player in the January transfer window.

• Arteta frustrated with Arsenal's lack of transfer activities
• Wanted the club to sign a new attacker
• Saw a bid for Ollie Watkins rejected by Aston Villa

WHAT HAPPENED?

It was a quiet January transfer window for the Gunners as they failed to land a single player, despite their need to reinforce the attack following Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus' injuries. Manager Arteta had earlier made it clear that he would ideally want the club to sign a new attacker but his bosses did not oblige.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

As per reports, the North London side submitted a £40million ($49.9m) bid for Ollie Watkins but Aston Villa knocked it back following Jhon Duran's big-money transfer to Al-Nassr. They also reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel, who eventually joined their arch-rivals Tottenham on loan with an option to buy.

WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

Speaking to reporters, Arteta said: "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. 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.

"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."

He added: "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."

WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Arsenal, who are trailing by two goals from the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, will aim to register a thumping win over Newcastle on Wednesday and qualify for the final.