Mikel Arteta has admitted disappointment with Arsenal’s lack of signings in the recent transfer window and acknowledged they will have to be “flexible in the frontline” to cope with the lack of attacking options at his disposal. It was a frustrating deadline day for the Arsenal manager, who had made it clear that he wanted to bring in reinforcements to replace the injured Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus but ended up not replenishing his squad. A bid for Ollie Watkins, believed to have been worth around £40m, was rejected by Aston Villa last week, with Arsenal also deciding not to follow up their interest in the Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel, who joined Tottenham on loan instead.

Arteta was at pains to point out that their lack of activity this month will put Arsenal in a stronger financial position in the summer, when they are expected to renew their pursuit of the RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. But he also recognised any more injury setbacks could leave them short for the final few months of the season. “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,” said Arteta. “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.”.

Asked if he saw it as a gamble, Arteta added: “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. “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.”.

Arsenal must overcome a 2-0 deficit against Newcastle in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday if they are to reach Wembley next month. Having thrashed Manchester City 5-1 on Sunday to make it four successive wins in all competitions, Arteta believes his team have the momentum to turn the tie around. Sign up to Football Daily. Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football.

after newsletter promotion. “When you compare the emotional state of the team straight after the defeat [in the first leg] and the manner that it happened and how we are today is very different,” he said. “Because we come from very strong performances, some great wins and especially the last one at home against Man City. So it is momentum and after that game as well we have a break so it’s the moment to go full gas, ready to go for it and try to approach it in the way that we believe is the best one to win that final.”.