Mikel Arteta to ignore Arsenal transfer demand on deadline day - 'I'd be amazed'

Danny Murphy has told Mikel Arteta that signing a striker on deadline day is crucial to their hopes of winning the title - but Arsenal are unlikely to make any transfers before the window closes.

The Gunners are chasing down Premier League leaders Liverpool, with six points separating the two sides. Sunday's 5-1 demolition of Manchester City was a huge boost to Arsenal's hopes of finally winning the title.

But one major area of concern is at striker, with Gabriel Jesus having been ruled out for the rest of the season. That leaves Kai Havertz as Arteta's sole option up-front, leaving the Gunners exposed to injuries.

But there are just a few hours remaining of the January transfer window, with no sign yet of a new striker arriving. And former Liverpool star Danny Murphy believes failing to bring in a new forward will be a serious blow to their title chances.

"What would definitely help Arsenal's chances is if they are able to bring in a new striker before the transfer window closes on Monday. In an ideal world, Arteta would like a striker who does the same amount of work as Havertz and also scores more goals, but there are not too many of them about," Murphy told BBC Sport.

"Tottenham's Dominic Solanke is one, and so is Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins - which is why the Gunners have already made an offer for him. Arsenal are trying to win the Premier League and Champions League so it is more the case that, with Gabriel Jesus sidelined, they need an alternative for Havertz if he gets injured.

"They are not just going to sign any striker - he has to have the qualities Arteta needs - but there is definitely a hole to be filled there in their squad. If they don't bring anyone in on Monday, they could find themselves short at a crucial stage of the season. I'd be amazed if they let that happen."

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Speaking ahead of the hammering of City, in which Havertz scored but also spurned a major chance, Arteta made it clear he is happy with the German. But the Gunners boss admitted that he is keen to see a new forward 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," Arteta 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."

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