Arsenal target Kieran Tierney transfer back-up in January after flogging Kolasinac and handing Saka new position

MIKEL ARTETA has admitted that Arsenal are 'short' of left-backs and that they will 'see what is available' in the transfer window this month.

Kieran Tierney has made the position his own this season with consistently excellent performances.

But with understudy Sead Kolasinac having been allowed to leave the club on loan, Arteta could do with another option.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has filled in, while Bukayo Saka has also done a job despite being better deployed further forward.

Given Tierney's injury record, however, the Gunners would be wise to look for another option.

On the matter, Arteta, 38, said: "With the departure of Kola, we are a little bit short with left-footed full-backs at the moment.

"We know we can use Ainsley there, we can use Bukayo there and we can use Cedric - who has played in that position - so we have some options.

"A natural option to Kieran? Obviously, we don't. But we can adapt."

Quizzed more specifically on entering the market to find a solution, Arteta was coy.

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He continued: "That means that the option is open and we will look to see what is available."

Arsenal dipped into the market earlier this month when they brought in young defender Karim Rekik, 19.

And today they made their first senior signing of the window, completing the loan acquisition of out-of-favour Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

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