Emery: Arsenal cannot afford to buy players

Unai Emery admits Arsenal can only afford to bring in loan players in the January transfer window.

The Gunners are keen to add a defender and a winger to their ranks but head coach Emery has confirmed there is no money available to land permanent signings.

“We cannot sign permanently. We can only loan players. Only loan players,” the Spaniard said.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Emery also praised the attitude of Aaron Ramsey as the Wales international continues to be linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium.

Juventus are reportedly close to agreeing a deal with Ramsey, who can leave for free in the summer when his contract expires or in January if a fee can be agreed, but Emery is pleased with the continued application of the 28-year-old.

“My idea and focus, I say to him every day, is that we need his performance for us,” he said.

“In the last match I was very happy with him. I asked in the last match at Blackpool if he is OK to help us play and he said, ‘Yeah, coach, I want to play’ and he played with a very big behaviour and commitment to us.

“After, his future belongs to him, his family and agent. Every day he’s here with us, he’s working very well. I want his behaviour and his focus to be on West Ham on Saturday.”