ARTETA’S SO RELIEVED TO KEEP STARS

MIKEL ARTETA admits he is glad to have got through January without losing any of Arsenal’s star names.

The Gunners had a low-key transfer window, bringing in defenders Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares on loan until the end of the season.

But Arteta was more worried about fending off interest in his top players, with Barcelona heavily rumoured to have bid for top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (right).

“We believed we could strengthen the team a little bit in some areas, in the financial situation we have,” said the Arsenal boss. “But four weeks ago I was concerned as well about some departures and we’ve been able to manage that.

“There were some situations we had to deal with.

“I tried to deal with them in the best possible way, with the beliefs I had and what I thought about how those players could be needed for the squad.

“So far, I’m with the players that I wanted to be with and I’m happy with what we’ve done.”

Arsenal fans will have to wait until after their winter break to see Cedric in action – the Portuguese right-back is struggling with a knee problem.

But Arteta believes the 28-year-old star, who has left Southampton after four and a half years, will prove a valuable asset to his squad. Cedric (above) featured in Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph and spent the second half of last season out on loan at Inter Milan in Serie A.

“He’s a player that’s got big experience,” said the Gunners boss.

“He has played in different countries and he has played in this league. He knows what it means – he has that desire and commitment.

“I started to follow him a few seasons ago and I really like what he can bring. “These were the right conditions for us to try to improve the squad.

“We’ve done the business we could do, which is loans at the moment. Further on when those loans come to an end, we have to make decisions and see where we are.

“We need a plan and that plan has to start developing in the next few months but it varies in relation to what we have in numbers, positions, financially – a lot of things.”

Mari, who is on loan from Brazilian club Flamengo until the summer, could be involved when Arsenal face Burnley at Turf Moor tomorrow.

Central defender David Luiz and Aubameyang are expected to return to the visitors’ line-up after serving bans.