"If we..." - Arteta outlines his transfer plans as Arsenal target Belgian star

Mikel Arteta outlined his January transfer plans, amid speculation Arsenal have held talks with Everton’s Amadou Onana.

The Gunners are top of the Premier League, some five points clear of second-placed Manchester City with a game in hand.

In an attempt to boost their title bid, Arsenal have signed Brighton’s Leandro Trossard and Spezia’s Jakub Kiwior in the January window.

Meanwhile, the club are also reportedly working on deals to sign 18-year-old Real Valladolid right back Iván Fresneda as well as Everton’s Onana.

Indeed 90min claimed that the Gunners had “been in touch” with Onana over the prospect of a move to the Emirates. However, Arsenal would reportedly have to pay some £50million for the 21-year-old Belgium international.

Mikel Arteta’s transfer plans

Arteta admitted Arsenal were exploring the prospect of signing a new midfielder, amid reports the club were interested in signing Onana before next Tuesday’s deadline.

Indeed, the Gunners boss claimed there were “concerns” around the fitness of midfielder Mohamed Elneny, who has been out since the middle of January with a knee injury.

Arteta said in Wednesday’s press conference: “Well, we need some more cover in midfield ideally if we can.

“In this market, it’s pretty complicated to do that.

“The most important thing is that we get the performances and the time on the pitch that we need with the players we have available today that are already really good.

“If there’s anything else available that can make us better we’ll look at it.

“I don’t think he (Elneny) will be [available for Friday]. He had some issues with his knee that we are assessing at the moment and we will have to see how he evolves in the next couple of days.

“There are concerns, especially (because) Mo is a player who never complains about anything. But let’s see.”