Quotes

'New signings must take us to the next level'

Aaron Ramsdale punches a ball in clear against Burnley at Emirates Stadium

With just over a week left of the January transfer window, Mikel Arteta has reiterated that any new signings must be able to "take us to the next level".

Following a frustrating goalless draw with Burnley at Emirates Stadium, the boss was asked about his plans to add to his squad.

This is what he told the media:

on if we need new signings to challenge for the top four...

It's what we planned, but the market is difficult, it's complicated. We knew that, but it's a lot to manage and we have to make the right decisions with players that we believe are going to really help us and try to bring in ones that can take us to the next level.

on if he expects incomings before the deadline...

Well, we are certainly trying, but I don't know if we're going to be able to do it. Let's see, it's not only our intention, but a lot of facts that are needed to happen.

on if players should have been signed sooner in the window...

I think that's the dream of every manager, to have them in the team on the first day, but it isn't realistic and in this window as well, the history of this window, a lot of them happen right at the end.

on how important it is to get the right people in the door...

Players that come here have to be able to take us to the next level. We already have a level, and we want to see much better standards than we already have, and that is how we're going to recruit.