Arsenal have been dealt a huge blow to their hopes of signing a replacement for Bukayo Saka in the January transfer window. The 23-year-old winger suffered a hamstring injury during the Gunners' 5-1 win over Crystal Palace last month.

Shortly after the clash at Selhurst Park, Saka underwent surgery. Mikel Arteta later confirmed that the procedure 'went well', but suggested that Arsenal could be without the England international for 'more than two months'.

Then, following the North Londoners' first game of the Premier League season without Saka, winning 1-0 against Ipswich Town, Arteta backed his current players to fill the void left by their talisman – despite having previously hinted at exploring his options in the transfer market.

READ MORE: 'He wasn't interested' - Rio Ferdinand singles out Arsenal star for huge praise after Spurs win

READ MORE: Arsenal have secret weapon in Martin Zubimendi transfer chase amid Liverpool and Man City interest

While Arsenal have remained unbeaten in the English top flight in Saka's absence, they've struggled to impress in the domestic cup competitions. After losing to Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final and crashing out of the FA Cup third round to Manchester United, Arteta changed his tune.

"We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad," said the Spaniard. "We have been since day one. It would be naive not to do that because there is always an opportunity to evolve the team and improve the squad.

"Especially with the circumstances we have. So yes, we are looking and let's see what we are able to do," added Arteta. "When you recruit a player there are three parties and you have to agree. And we have our limitations as well like any other club.

"We can do what we can do. We plan our squad and have our limits to do what we want to do, that’s it. The fact I love our players a lot does not mean we cannot think about improving.

"We’re not that stubborn, and we all want the same - to use every opportunity to improve the squad, daily and when the market comes in if we can do that. Make sure we have the best resources and best capacity to compete in the matter we want."

Several big names have been linked with moves to Arsenal this month, and one of which has just ruled out of a potential transfer. Speaking to reporters after Brentford's 2-2 draw with Manchester City, Thomas Frank was quizzed on Bryan Mbeumo's future at the G-Tech Community Stadium.

The Bees boss was asked if there's a chance the 25-year-old forward leaves this month. Avoiding any doubt, Frank quickly replied: "No. So, very easy to answer that question!"

Despite Frank's admission, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United remain interested in signing Mbeumo, according to French publication RMC Sport. The report states that Brentford will want more than €50m (£42m) for the Cameroon international's signature.

With Mbeumo out of contention, Arteta has been sent back to the drawing board.