Arsenal

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

I'm at the Emirates Stadium and there is still no sign or noise of any forward coming in.

Mikel Arteta said through the transfer window that the club were looking for a striker but would only bring one in that could have an "impact".

It is true that the number of forward options they have are lower after Gabriel Jesus' ACL injury but the Gunners are managing to cope at the moment.

They put five past Manchester City yesterday and are the second highest scorers in the league but supporters would have liked a new face in the door.

There are just over two hours left in the window and it seems very unlikely for something to happen in that time.

Bromley have signed Maldini Kacurri from Arsenal on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old defender made his first-team debut for the Gunners in a 5-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup in September.

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Follow live transfer updates and see all of Monday's completed deals

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The talk around Arsenal coming into this transfer window was whether they would sign a striker.

Mikel Arteta has been clear throughout January that if they saw a deal that would improve the squad and help the team long term then the club would do it.

The injury to Gabriel Jesus lessened the options - but they are still finding the back of the net.

Arsenal are the second-highest scorers in the Premier League after Sunday's 5-1 win over Manchester City and top scorer Kai Havertz was one of those to find the net.

While the forward has been criticised this season, he now has 15 goals.

Sources with knowledge of the situation have said Arsenal are ready to make signings, but new players are not imminent.

Mathys Tel has been linked but a move for him from Bayern Munich does not look likely.

Danny Murphy
BBC Sport columnist

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What would definitely help Arsenal's chances is if they are able to bring in a new striker before the transfer window closes.

I can see why Mikel Arteta likes Kai Havertz so much, because of his game intelligence - when to press and when to drop - and he plays that role so well for the team.

He misses a lot of chances, like he did on Sunday, which is why he has had a bit of stick recently but you can never doubt his work ethic and the value that brings.

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.

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.

Both of those players are a little bit different to Havertz, because he was a 10 before so knows how to drop in and link play better, but I am not thinking about a replacement for him anyway.

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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After impressive wins for Liverpool and Arsenal at the weekend, former England internationals Theo Walcott and Danny Murphy discussed how they think the Premier League title race will unfold.

Walcott: "Arsenal had to win [against Manchester City on Sunday] and put in a statement performance.

"Liverpool are, at this moment, playing at some level.

"It's going to be closer than you think but Liverpool, at this moment, I just don't see them slipping up. That's why it was really important for Arsenal to play that level."

Murphy: "Arsenal showed in the second half of last season that they're capable of going on a great run.

"The game in hand that Liverpool have got [against an in-form Everton at Goodison Park] - a few weeks ago it seemed like a gimme. But now it's not going to be a walk in the park."

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We asked you what would ensure you are satisfied this deadline day.

Here are some of your comments:

Charlie: I would be dissatisfied if Arsenal go and buy an average striker. I would rather wait and see them buy someone who will make a real difference, for example Benjamin Sesko in the summer.

Dan: Well, we need a striker! With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus out for the foreseeable, it would be criminal not to sign one. I fear that the bid for Ollie Watkins was a smokescreen. They knew they wouldn't get him and I don't believe there's an intention to buy one either.

Lara: We are not desperate for anyone - we just need our best players to find some form and decisions to be fair from the officials. Watkins or a striker would be nice with Jesus out, but we can cope so long as our top players start to perform. There are too many under par, particularly our captain.

Lew: A striker. Yet once again Arsenal have left it late in the window to do anything, so we will probably end up with nothing, or a panic buy that does nothing to help the team.

Guy: So disappointed. All of our competition is improving. We have sold a promising young player to a rival and haven't bought anyone in. A clinical striker is a must and I'd also like a winger as Raheem Sterling just isn't good enough.

Farid: We need a number nine, not another winger. No world-class number nine is available right now. But there are affordable hidden gems who can solve our immediate problem and we have a good chance of signing. A good example would be Jonathan David of Ligue 1 outfit Lille, who is almost at the end of his contract.

It's the last day of the winter transfer window and Premier League clubs have until 23:00 GMT to complete their business.

We'll bring you all the news, views, twists and turns as the clock ticks down to deadline.

Follow it all here

Arsenal are waiting in the background after Manchester United had two bids for Bayern Munich and France Under-21 forward Mathys Tel, 19, rejected on Sunday. (Mail, external)

Meanwhile, Gunners midfielder Jorginho is close to reaching an agreement with Brazilian club Flamengo to join them in the summer. (Sky Italy, via Sky Sports, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full deadline day gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Highlights and analysis from Sunday's three Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to the weekend's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Bournemouth 0-2 Liverpool

• Wolves 2-0 Aston Villa

• Manchester United 0-2 Crystal Palace

• Brentford 0-2 Tottenham

• Arsenal 5-1 Manchester City

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Arsenal are playing the role of hunters rather than hunted in this Premier League title race as they try to keep pace with Liverpool's relentless form at the top.

If there such a thing as a "must-win" game in early February, this was arguably it as Arsenal knew they could not afford to drop points.

Defeat by Manchester City would have left Arsenal nine points behind Liverpool having playing a game more. When they needed someone to step up, it was teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly who settled any lingering nerves.

Having excelled with some powerful surges from defence in the first half, he allowed Arsenal to establish a two-goal cushion with his goal.

Erling Haaland demanded to know "who are you?" when he clashed with the youngster at the end of a fractious 2-2 draw at Etihad Stadium in September, when Lewis-Skelly was booked while warming up before coming on as a late substitute.

If Haaland did not know who Lewis-Skelly was then, the Norwegian marksman certainly knows now.

The manner and margin of Arsenal's win will surely fuel their self-belief.

And the second-half goal rush allowed Kai Havertz to feel both relief and elation after a first-half miss, shooting wide with the goal at his mercy, that started to feel like a defining moment when Haaland levelled matters.

Instead, Emirates Stadium was a scene of raucous celebration at the final whistle as Arsenal's title bid received a real turbo charge.

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Arsenal and Manchester City.

Here are some of your comments:

Sam: A superb performance from Arsenal. It just shows how far a little bit of confidence can go. Once the second goal flew in, they were unstoppable. There was great creativity and heavy pressure. I think I speak for all Gunners in saying we are chuffed that Kai Havertz was able to redeem himself after his performance in the first half. Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri were another level. We are snapping at Liverpool's heels!

Jack: Brilliant. There was domination all over. Conceding a goal wasn't ideal but the instant response was exactly right and, from then on, it was total dominance. We have been waiting for this!

Ashwinkumar: It's not a race - it's a marathon. Patience, endurance, faith and skill were all displayed in this game. Well done Arsenal and the youngsters Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri. Keep up the hard work.

Dave: There is no disputing it was an excellent Arsenal performance, but it will give Mikel Arteta the ammunition to say: 'We don't need to sign a striker'. The only thing about that is that we will probably be unable to hit the net in a fortnight against Leicester! It's the same head in the sand problem that we had with Arsene Wenger in his latter years with the club. One good solid game doesn't win the league, especially if you end up losing to the bottom clubs because you lack a striker who can close the game out.

Steve: Imagine the score if Arsenal had a striker! Manchester City can't handle a team that plays with a fast tempo.

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day following the win: "It's a great day. Considering the opposition that we played, the result we got and the manner in which we did it - it makes it a special day. A lot of things have to go your way.

"They are so good. They force you to be deeper and be in a situation that you don't want to be. Sometimes you need a bit of luck and, after that, you have to be efficient. We had to be brave and it paid off - things have to go your way and the line is so thin.

"I liked that the team showed a lot of personality and competitiveness."

On youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly getting on the scoresheet: "They play with a lot of personality. They are really brave, they have the courage, and they understand what we want. They play to make things happen.

"The players believe in them and that is a big thing."

On the title race: "We need to continue doing the things that we can control. Today was a difficult game for us, and we still managed to do it."

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Arsenal striker Kai Havertz has been speaking to Sky Sports following the game: "I think we managed to press them quite well. We didn't give them much time. Manchester City are a top team and sometimes they beat the press, but I think our energy was good. We used our chances and, at the end, I think it was a good game."

On their scoring ability: "I think it is the timing. We train it a lot of times so it is not only us two, it is everyone. When we push and go through the defensive players, everyone needs to push through and the energy there is very important.

"We [the strikers] are the first to press, but the rest of the team are doing it excellently as well.

"I think I was a bit frustrated from the chance in the first half, so I thought to myself: 'I need to score one'. When I saw it go in, I was very happy."

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been speaking to Sky Sports following the win: "It was a top game and a top performance. With the fans, the atmosphere and the scoresheet like that, it can't be better."

On Kai Havertz: "He had a massive impact again today. You see everything he does - he scored and assisted. He is always there with and without the ball. He is a top player and it is good to have him in the team.

"We have a good connection and we understand each other. He is an intelligent player and it is good to play with him. We have a great connection with everyone and we know each other so well."

On scoring the opening goal: "It was about time - and it was good after because we didn't stop. We kept on going and we got what we deserved. It was a good one."

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal have gone unbeaten in 14 consecutive Premier League games (W9 D5) for the first time since December 2018 under Unai Emery, which was also a run of 14 games.

Mikel Arteta lost nine of his first 10 managerial meetings with Pep Guardiola (W1) but he has now become only the third manager to go five games unbeaten in all competitions against the Spaniard (W2 D3), after Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp.

Ethan Nwaneri (17 years and 318 days) and Myles Lewis-Skelly (18 years and 129 days) became the youngest players to score in the Premier League against the reigning champions since Wayne Rooney netted for Everton against Arsenal in March 2003 (17 years 150 days).

Only Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney (9 each) have scored more goals for a Premier League side, while aged 17 or younger, than Ethan Nwaneri (7).

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Arsenal's performance

What did you make of Man City's display?

Three matches make up Sunday's Premier League action and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

• Brentford v Tottenham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Manchester United v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Arsenal v Manchester City (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 14:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here