Mikel Arteta could not have been much clearer when he was asked about Arsenal's transfer plans at the start of January.

"I don’t know because the focus is on the players we have," the Spaniard told reporters when asked if it was more likely the club sign someone than not. "If something stronger is in the market that we can afford and we believe is going to have a real impact in the team, we always have to be open for that possibility because we’d have the ability to improve the squad in the windows. But at the moment, the focus is on what we have."

With deadline day now here, the Gunners are yet to make any signings whatsoever. With Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu suffering big injuries, some may feel it is a surprise the north Londoners have been rather quiet on the transfer front. With just hours of the window remaining, that is not expected to change.

READ MORE: Newcastle have already identified Alexander Isak replacement as Arsenal make new transfer plan

READ MORE: Arsenal striker transfer decided as January deadline approaches

Instead, Arsenal are expected to turn their attention to the summer when it comes to new signings. football.london understands the club remain interested in signing a striker, with the likes of Ollie Watkins, Benjamin Sesko, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres linked with a move.

It's also believed the club would be open to signing a wide forward, preferably someone who is versatile and who can play across the frontline. Nico Williams is a player who the club have looked at, although the Spaniard is understood to be asking for extremely high wages should a move come to fruition.

The last area Arsenal seem keen to strengthen is in defensive midfield. With Jorginho looking like he will join Brazilian side Flamengo in the summer when his contract ends, a replacement will be needed. Thomas Partey's contract is also due to expire in a matter of months, although the Ghana international has been one of the best performers this season.

football.london understands Arsenal have already made moves behind the scenes to bring Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi to the club in the summer. With Liverpool and Manchester City also interested in the Spaniard, the Gunners moved quickly to steal a march on their rivals. There is a €60million (£51million) release clause in the Spain international’s contract and it's been reported the Gunners could meet that clause early in the summer.

So, when taking all of the above into consideration, it appears that Arsenal are keen to sign a new defensive midfielder, wide forward and striker in the coming months. With no deals being confirmed in January, it seems that Arteta will now have to wait until the summer for new additions to come through the door. Exactly who, though, remains to be seen.