Mikel Arteta drops major Arsenal transfer statement following Brighton loss

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has dropped a major transfer hint after the Gunners lost their Carabao Cup third round clash against Brighton on Wednesday.

The match - which notably could not be watched live on TV anywhere in the world - saw Brighton inflict just a third defeat of the season in all competitions on Arteta's side.

The Seagulls secured a 3-1 victory to progress to round four. Kaoru Mitoma, Tariq Lamptey and ex-Gunners forward Danny Welbeck all got on the scoresheet for Roberto De Zerbi's side.

Arsenal made a host of changes to their XI from the defeat over Chelsea, with only William Saliba starting the match. Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus and Granit Xhaka all made appearances from the bench.

And Eddie Nketiah got on the scoresheet to further cement his reputation as a reliable second striker in the Gunners setup.

But it was certainly a disappointing defeat for Arteta's side, with the rotational XI not quite able to get past a Brighton side that also contained a number of changes.

The Gunners did have 23 shots at Jason Steele's goal, but could only find the target on four occasions.

And after the game, Arteta dropped a hint about Arsenal's transfer plans.

Mikel Arteta gives Arsenal transfer update

Speaking after the game, Arteta was asked about whether he wants to strengthen his side in the January transfer window.

Arsenal are targeting a winger, with Shakhtar Donetsk's Mykhaylo Mudryk heavily linked. Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans has also been subject to reported interest.

Meanwhile, Arsenal had bids rejected for Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz and Palmeiras youngster Danilo on deadline day in August.

And the Spaniard gave a blunt answer as to his hopes for January (quotes via Daily Express): "That is a window that is open, and we'll have to discuss the opportunities that we have, and be on the market for opportunities."

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Arteta's refusal to rule out any transfer business suggests Arsenal are very much on the lookout for new talent to add to their squad.

With a busy schedule post-World Cup, Gunners chiefs now have over a month to get their plans together and ensure they are best placed to, as Arteta alludes to, react to the best opportunities on the market.

For now, the Gunners will look to head into Christmas on top of the Premier League by defeating Wolves at Molineux on Saturday.