Mikel Arteta has said he is not expecting Arsenal to make any major investments in the January transfer window, although it is understood that the club remains keen to bolster their midfield and defence if possible.

The Daily Telegraph understands that Arsenal are hoping to add a box-to-box midfielder and a defender to the first-team squad, although their stretched finances mean they are more likely to pursue loan deals than permanent transfers.

Arsenal spent heavily in the summer market, despite once again failing to qualify for the Champions League, and the club’s executives believe there is less value for money in the January window.

A long-term injury to Calum Chambers has limited Arteta’s options at centre-back, though. Konstantinos Mavropanos is likely to leave on loan this month, while Arsenal will once again listen to offers for Shkodran Mustafi.

Asked if he is expecting any significant investment in the coming weeks, Arteta said: “I'm not expecting big things. I'm expecting big things from the players I have at the moment, the players that are recovering from injuries.

“That's the biggest expectation from my side, they're there. If we can find something to help us go through the season in a more balanced way in certain areas, and is helpful, we'll look at the options.