Hector Bellerin interview: Arsenal defender says club do not need January signings

Hector Bellerin has said Arsenal are strong enough as they stand and do not need any signings in the January transfer window – although he admits any new recruits by manager Arsene Wenger to bolster the squad would be "welcomed".

Wenger has opened the door to new additions in the January mercato, following his failure to sign a single outfield player during the summer. Injuries sustained by first team regulars such as Francis Coquelin, Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey have put the Frenchman's decision under scrutiny, and fans have urged him to repair his error as soon as possible.

But speaking with IBTimes UK following the Champions League 4-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb, Bellerin said: "There is a lot of quality in the team and I do not think we need any new players.

"If someone new comes he will be welcomed but I think we have a very strong squad, with good replacements for every position. The players just have to think about the coming games and nothing else."

The Mirror reported earlier last month that one of the players under consideration by Wenger is Bellerin's compatriot Nolito. The Celta Vigo forward has netted seven goals in an remarkable start to the season. Several reports in Spain have since confirmed the news, while Spanish newspaper AS reported the Gunners were keen on meeting his €18m (£12.6m, $19.1) release clause, beating Barcelona for his services.

Asked about Nolito's potential arrival at Emirates Stadium, Bellerin replied: "This is a thing for the manager and the technical department. They are the ones who decide which players have to come. It is obvious that he is an exceptional player, with a lot of quality but we, the players, are only thinking about the coming games.

"I think he is a very good player. It is clear. He is doing really well with his team and with the national team but [his signing] is not a thing for the players."

Bellerin has been tipped to join Nolito in the Vicente Del Bosque's national team reckoning after an impressive start to the season. The Spain Under 21 international has never hid his intentions to be called up for La Roja, but he is aware of the competition for his spot from the likes of Real Madrid's Dani Carvaval, Atletico Madrid's Juanfran and Villarreal's Mario Gaspar.

"There is a high level in national team and I'm happy for them. The most important thing is that Spain have a good team no matter who plays. It is always nice to see your name spoken but the important thing is that the national team does well. But having good players for every position is important because there are always injuries, drops of form...

"I'm working for my club, I try to do my best here and then the things come when you do a good job. My target is to help the club have a good season and whatever comes later will come."

Bellerin remains humble, and despite his meteoric rise, his feet are firmly on the ground as the 20-year-old awaits whatever comes.

"I'm very young. I still have many things to do and to learn. I keep my feet on the ground, working every day and trying to do my best," he added.