Arsenal boss Unai Emery admits there are areas of his squad that he needs to strengthen during this month’s transfer window.

The Gunners enjoyed a routine victory over League One outfit Blackpool in the FA Cup on Saturday, with Emery taking the opportunity to rotate his line-up heavily following the busy festive period.

The North Londoners are not back in action until they visit West Ham in the Premier League next weekend and Emery has, for the time being, shifted his focus to the transfer market.

The Spaniard is keen to strengthen his squad with the introduction of a new centre-back and winger, although he would not be drawn on whether the club are looking to sign Barcelona ace Denis Suarez, who previously worked with Emery during their time together at Sevilla.

“I think the club is working for the possibility to take some players who can help us during these next four months,” Emery told reporters.

“Maybe the transfer market can help us with a centre-back, but it is not easy because also (Konstantinos) Mavropanos is coming back after injury. Also a winger, right or left, one player can help us in this position.”

Arsenal currently sit fifth in the Premier League standings – three points off the top four positions – and they are set to face a testing period in the top-flight as, following Saturday’s clash with West Ham, they have games to come against Chelsea, Cardiff and Manchester City.

The Gunners have failed to finish in the top four in each of the last two seasons, but they are priced at 3.75 to buck that trend this term.