Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall has said the club’s recruitment “has to be better” after two world-record offers for Manchester United and England striker Alessia Russo were rejected.
“Last summer we had one player too few, now we’ve done it here in January,” Eidevall said.
“I’m disappointed. Over time, these things have a big impact.”
United top the Women’s Super League, three points ahead of third-placed Arsenal.
The Gunners have a game in hand against United and second-placed Chelsea, but have lost strikers Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead to anterior cruciate ligament injuries this season.
“I was clear in the window that we needed another striker and we identified targets,” added Eidevall.
“I know the club worked very hard but it was a very difficult transfer window, not to find players who wanted to play for Arsenal but to find clubs who want to sell quality players in this window.
“We searched for players all over the world. It wasn’t just in England, it was a very tricky window to try to find clubs that wanted to release players. We knew it was going to be difficult, but it was even harder than we thought.
“I think recruiting is key if you want to be a successful team. Obviously there are things we need to look at to be better.”
On Wednesday, Manchester United manager Marc Skinner said he was “very optimistic” Russo will sign a new contract to stay at the club next season.
Russo has scored five goals in nine appearances for the WSL this season and is free to talk to other clubs outside England as he has less than six months left on his contract.
