Arsenal will not panic about signing striker despite mounting injury and form issues - Reporter Notebook

Arsenal are waiting to discover the extent of the injury suffered by Gabriel Jesus in Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester United but will not panic when it comes to potential recruitment in this transfer window.

January was always going to be a "reactive window" for the Gunners, with Mikel Arteta maintaining the club would "look within first".

Arsenal have players who can play across all positions in the forward areas, with Raheem Sterling returning to fitness and Ethan Nwaneri due back soon.

It is clear Arsenal will have their targets and both long and short-term deals are being explored. The club will make a decision on whether to pursue those targets depending on the availability of the players.

A long-term target would be seen as someone to immediately improve the first team, while the aim for a short-term deal is likely to be to improve the competition in the squad.

Arsenal are thought to be in a very good position with regard to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability requirements. But there are a few reasons why that does not necessarily mean they can - or will - go into the market in this window and spend big.

Firstly, not only do Arsenal have to comply with the Premier League rules but they are also bound by UEFA regulations. These are already more stringent than the domestic rules and from next season will mean the amount they spend on wages, transfer fees and compensation can be no more than 70 per cent of their overall income.

Secondly, Arsenal's model - like other big clubs - is to prioritise the summer window. The planning for recruitment is done up to three years ahead, which means - even without a sporting director since Edu's sudden departure in November - targets and budgets are identified long in advance.

Interim sporting director Jason Ayto continues to lead the recruitment team following Edu's departure. The process for a permanent sporting director is ongoing, with Ayto a candidate to fill the role long-term.

Finally, players like Thomas Partey and Jorginho are out of contract in the summer and will need replacing in the next window. Budgets will have to take that into account, either through new deals or funding replacements.

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