Mikel Arteta was 'aligned' with the decision by Arsenal chiefs to block signing a striker in the January transfer window. Signing a new forward has been a long-term priority for the Gunners, who currently sit second in the Premier League. But the ACL injury suffered by Gabriel Jesus during the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United quickened that chase. Despite that, Arsenal remained quiet in the transfer window, with their sole moment of action being a rejected bid for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins. The Gunners did not return with a fresh bid for the England international.

And they also opted against making any real push for an alternative target. That leaves Arteta with just Kai Havertz as a senior option for the lone striker role in his line-up for the rest of the campaign. While some may see that as a legitimate bone of contention, The Athletic report that the Spaniard and the club were 'aligned in the view' that the Gunners should not simply sign a 'body'. Instead, they wanted a No.9 who could make an 'immediate impact' for the second-half of the season. When the Watkins deal died, there was no obvious alternative who did not 'compromise' the club's summer plans.

With long-term targets such as Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko unavailable until the summer, Arsenal chiefs have decided to take a 'calculated gamble' that Havertz can carry them through to the end of the season. HAVE YOUR SAY! Have Arsenal made a mistake by not signing a striker? Comment below. At that point, they will return to pursuing their primary attacking targets with a summer arrival expected. Speaking before Monday's deadline, Arteta made it clear he had full confidence in Havertz and that he would be happy even if a new striker did not arrive.

"He’s been our main striker for a while now and he's producing some big numbers and his work-rate is unbelievable. Not only that but what we demand him to do in our model, his availability has been exceptional, so he’s always there and we are very happy to have him," he said. "It doesn't depend on us. We have the intention, purpose and ambition to try to help the team and support the squad to be better and to finish the season really strong, and we are actively trying to do that.

"I’m very confident with the work that the club is doing and exploring every single opportunity that we believe can have an impact on the team. That’s certainly the case and if we can agree something we will. If not, we won’t. "We are trying everything that we can, but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not. I don’t know, it doesn’t depend only on us, so our intention is clear but the possibilities are affected by three parties.".

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.