Mikel Arteta speaks out on Arsenal squad depth amid Raheem Sterling speculation

Mikel Arteta insists he is satisfied with the depth of his squad despite having failed to add a single attacking player during the transfer window.

The Gunners have started the new season in impressive fashion, winning both of their games so far against Wolves and Aston Villa.

Runners-up in each of the last two campaign, Arsenal are fancied to do well again but face a daunting run of games which will see them face the likes of Brighton, Spurs and Manchester City in the coming weeks, while they will also have additional Champions League fixtures to contend with.

An injury to Mikel Merino, which could keep him out for a number of weeks, represents a significant early blow, while a growing number of Arsenal fans are puzzled by the refusal to bolster an attack that looks short of options.

Arteta pointed out that virtually the same group of players scored 91 goals last season but the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe have all departed without replacements having been sourced.

Raheem Sterling has been touted as a potential short-term option but Arteta was coy on the chances of the Chelsea winger joining on deadline day and instead maintained he is content with the options he has at his disposal.

‘We know about the depth of the squad and it’s something that we cannot change dramatically in one or two season,’ he said.

‘It’s something that we are constantly trying to build the numbers, which is something critical, and on top of that bring more quality.

‘We are trying to bring some quality from our academy, that looks like it’s happening and that’s going to be very, very helpful, and trust the players that we have and do the maximum that we can with the squad.

‘One of the biggest strengths that we have over the past two or three years has been the way we’ve shared the goals.

‘We are going to have to continue to do that. If we can on top of that get players to score 25 or 30 goals in the season, then it’s the perfect combination. That’s what we are trying to do.’