Arteta's Still Scrambling: Arsenal's Transfer Window Far From Done

Bruno Guimaraes is already in the bag, a cool £75m from Newcastle. The Brazilian midfielder even got his first run-out, coming off the bench in Wednesday's friendly against Como. Arteta, though? He's still sniffing around for more firepower up front. Sky Sports says so.

Trouble, naturally. Arsenal's gone after the big names this summer, and what's happened? Vinicius Junior just re-upped his deal at Real Madrid. Morgan Rogers? Chelsea snatched him from Aston Villa before Arsenal even had a chance to twitch. Now the rumour mill's churning out names like Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid and Bradley Barcola from PSG. Arteta, bless his heart, can only admit it: the market's damn near barren.

'There is more that we want to do because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth to the squad, we need to do that,' Arteta told Sky Sports. Classic manager-speak, that. He insists Arsenal are 'actively trying.' Sure, Mikel. He also reminded everyone that getting these deals done isn't exactly all in their hands.

Ask him about the wage bill, about those big-money contracts for potential stars? Arteta just shuffles his feet, points to sporting director Andrea Berta and the board. His job, he says, is getting the most out of the lads already on the payroll.

Guimaraes showed a bit of spark in his brief cameo. Arteta even let slip he might actually start against Manchester City in Sunday's Community Shield. Don't hold your breath.