Arteta responds to Arsenal's Watkins transfer interest - 'I'm very confident'

Mikel Arteta insists he retains confidence in Arsenal's transfer team as the Gunners seek to bring in a new striker before the end of the window.

The Gunners have been seeking a new attacking option for the past month, but ahead of Monday night's transfer deadline they are still to make an addition this winter.

The need for more firepower has increased with Gabriel Jesus having suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury and Bukayo Saka still sidelined with a serious hamstring problem, and the Gunners have now been linked with a move for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins in the closing days of the window.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's visit of Manchester City Arteta wouldn't be drawn on a move for Watkins specifically, but insisted that those in the corridors of power at the Emirates Stadium are still doing all they can to make the right moves.

"I'm very confident with the work the club is doing and we are exploring every single opportunity," he said. "We are trying everything that we can.

"We have the ambition and purpose to try to help the team, support the squad to be better and to finish the season strongly. We're actively trying to do that."

Arteta was then pressed on whether an experienced forward such as England international Watkins, 29, or a younger option would be a better for for his side, but the Gunners boss insists he doesn't think about age when considering new signings.

"We don't really look at the market in those terms," he said. "We look at what we have in the squad, what we are lacking and who can bring something that can potentially make us much better.

"Regardless of age or the background they have is a real belief that a player can be really good for us."

Arteta added that the Gunners have an injury doubt over goalkeeper David Raya ahead of the visit of City after Spanish international missed the midweek trip to Girona in the Champions League.

"David we’re still uncertain," said Arteta. "We have another session tomorrow. We have 48 hours so we will have to see."