Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that the club may seek a new acquisition in the January transfer window.
When the Africa Cup of Nations takes place next month, the Gunners will be without numerous players.
Former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future in football is also uncertain.
Arsenal would be open to offers for the Gabonese forward, according to reports in London.
With Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah both able to sign pre-contracts with foreign teams starting next month, Aubameyang will travel to Cameroon for the tournament, highlighting the club’s need for a new striker.
“I don’t believe we’ll be able to sign players for this short period of time,” Arteta remarked.
“It’s a touch unrealistic, in my opinion. But, if we can, we’ll sit down right now and make the best decision we can.”
Arsenal spent more than £150 million in the summer transfer window, and majority owner Stan Kroenke has backed Arteta, with his son Josh in constant touch with the Arsenal board.
Arteta was asked if there is a risk of Aubameyang’s scenario becoming comparable to Mesut Ozil’s last season, given that he is presently training away from the first team.