The boss faces the media ahead of tomorrow night’s huge Man Utd encounter

Mikel Arteta addressed the media ahead of Arsenal's massive clash with Manchester United tomorrow night, discussing various topics including team news, Ruben Amorim, Bukayo Saka's performances and more.

Regarding the latest team news, Arteta revealed that several players, including Thomas Partey, Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel, are being monitored ahead of the game.

"We're going to have a meeting this afternoon to assess their fitness and availability. We've done a training session, and we've kept a few players away from certain activities. After the meeting, we'll decide who's fit and available to start."

Regarding Manchester United's new manager Ruben Amorim, the gaffer praised his experience and ability to organize teams.

"Ruben Amorim is a good manager with a lot of experience. He's been very successful with Sporting, and it's remarkable what he achieved there. He brings energy to the club, to the players, and new ideas. We'll need to be at our best to break them down tomorrow night."

Arteta also discussed Bukayo Saka's impressive performances, highlighting his growth and consistency.

"Bukayo's numbers are incredible at this stage of his career. He's always looking to improve, and he's got the right mentality. He's a joy to work with, and we're all delighted with his progress."

When asked about Jorginho's contribution to the team, the boss praised his quality and experience.

"Jorginho's a top player who makes others better. He's got a great understanding of the game, and he's always looking to improve. He's been a great addition to our squad."

On Nicolas Jover's personality and work on set pieces, Arteta said:

"Nicolas is a very special person and someone very close to me. He's a top professional who's always looking to improve. He's been working hard on our set pieces, and we've seen some positive results."

On Manchester United's title chances, Arteta suggested that the season is still in its early stages.

"It's still very early in the season. Any team that can put together a run of wins can be a contender. We'll take it one game at a time and focus on our own performances."

Finally, Arteta discussed the atmosphere at the Emirates, explaining the importance of the fans' support.

"The Emirates is an incredible stadium, and our fans are always behind us. We need their energy and support to drive us on to victory. We're all looking forward to tomorrow's match and the opportunity to perform in front of our amazing fans."

Published: December 3, 2024
   

Written by Theo Tarling
 

The boss speaks to the press ahead of tomorrow's crucial Nottingham Forest encounter 

After the last international break before March, Arsenal prepare to resume their season with a home fixture against Nottingham Forest.

Here's what Mikel Arteta said ahead of the game:
 

INJURY NEWS

Ben White:

"Ben is going to be out for months. It's been different kind of struggles, it's never been the same thing, but we had to make a decision in the last few weeks, unfortunately. We know that Ben is going to push every boundary but it got to a point where we had to protect the player and we decided to do the surgery. He agreed with that, and obviously it will keep him out for a few months. We have to see how he reacts post-surgery, I don't expect him to be out for half a season or year but I cannot tell you exactly."

Riccardo Calafiori:

"Ricci trained today, so his rehab is going really well. He was able to do certain things last week with the physios, and trained on the pitch this week with us and today, so he will be in the squad."
 

Kieran Tierney:

"Not yet. He had a couple of sessions with the team but is not ready yet to be with the team."

Takehiro Tomiyasu:

"Going to be out as well for a bit."

Declan Rice + Bukayo Saka:

"They have had their first partial session today, so very good as well."

On the mood in the camp over the past couple of weeks:

"I think about everything that we've done. Is the reason that we haven't won games because the opponent has been superior to us? The clear answer is no. Should we have won more of those games? The answer is yes. Do I like what our team is doing? The answer is yes, but we have to improve certain things, especially how we have defended attacking the box."

"Overall I can think of a lot of things but I need to understand how the players are, and the only way to do that other than communicating on the phone is when they come back, and the energy of the staff and players yesterday was unbelievable."

On his first 250 games as manager:

"I'm extremely grateful, very happy, and I've enjoyed every minute of it because of the people that I work with every single day and because I understand how lucky I am to be sitting where I am, and you always want more. I feel a huge pride to see the people that work in our organisation and how they feel about the club right now, and what we transmit as a football club and as a team. But it is about winning and the end, I want more, I want big trophies and we are on that journey."
 

Being unbeaten at home:

"We love playing at the Emirates, we know that we have a unique atmosphere with our supporters there. Again, the way I saw the team the last 48 hours, I'm confident that tomorrow we will go all out to try and win the game."

Aim now to add honours?

"That is not the only one, you have to maintain a lot of the things that you do. Sometimes you achieve them but they can drop very quickly so it's maintaining them and that's work you have to do consistently every single day. But now, it's about winning and that's the next step for sure."

On losing White for a long period:

"It is a challenge. It was something that we didn't expect at all because, when we talk about consistency and availability in the defensive line, Ben was probably the best with Gabi and Wilo. So we'll miss him but that's it. We're going to have to find alternatives, that's it. But there are a lot of positives as well, because Declan is back, Bukayo is back. Jurrien is in a good place because he could not play the last game. Leo came back in a good place, Riccy's back after missing five or six weeks. That's a lot of players and that's great news."

Martin Odegaard

His condition:

"He played really well [against Chelsea] and that had consequences because after such a long time not playing he needed time to recover. The ankle reacted and other areas of the body with so much load going into it. It wasn't ideal, but he's been OK, the last day and a half he's trained with the team and he's feeling good, so that's really positive."

What was missed during his absence?

"He couldn't play but we did a lot of things and in some games it worked especially, but Martin brings everybody together. He has this capacity to win without the ball, his charisma, his leadership, that's why he's the captain. He has the intelligence to make everybody better and to make everybody click. That's a unique quality he has."

Whether he's been missed in the dressing room?

"He's been really on it in that sense, but when you step in there and you have to go through certain moments on the field, having him makes life easier. But that doesn't mean other players don't do it, or can't do it in a different way."

Published: November 22, 2024

Arteta & Saka speak to the media ahead of tomorrow night’s huge Inter Milan clash in the Champions League

After yet another disappointing performance in the 1-0 defeat away at Newcastle on Saturday's lunchtime kickoff, Arsenal look to continue their unbeaten start to the UEFA Champions League league phase campaign with what is on paper their hardest test so far with a trip away to Serie A holders, Inter Milan.

Mikel Arteta and Bukayo Saka both spoke to the media out in Milan and here is what they both had to say:

MIKEL ARTETA
 

SUMMING UP HIS EMOTIONS AND INITIAL REACTION TO THE DEPARTURE OF EDU GASPAR YESTERDAY:

"Everything happened very quickly"

"Loved working with him on this incredible journey"

"We were together from day 1"

"Very grateful personally for what he has done for me"

"Grateful for everything he has done for the football club"

"Both had a special chemistry, we both loved working together"

"I'm very blessed here's been part of my life in managing this beautiful club"

”From the bottom of my heart, everyone feels we want the best for him"

MESSAGE TO SUPPORTERS CONCERNED OVER EDU'S DEPARTURE:

"Plan of the vision starts with the ownership"

"Very clear and ambitious"

"Very strong leadership team with an unbelievable passion"

"The excitement, passion of where we want to fulfill this journey"

"Offers an opportunity to someone else and others that Edu has brought along."

"We say thank you and we move on because that's the reality of the industry"

INJURY NEWS

Martin Odegaard:

"Martin, great to have him back"

"He felt good after today"

"Back a bit earlier than we expected him to be"

"He wanted to be with the team so we will decide tomorrow whether to use him or not"

"Big step that he's travel"

Declan Rice:

"Unfortunately he picked an injury up (at Newcastle)"

"He was able to finish the game but wasn't feeling good in the last few days"

"Have to assess Thursday for the weekend (at Chelsea)"

MORE PRESSURE TO WIN?

"This is the type of game we want to play"
"My blood is pumping"

"We want to come and show the team we are now and the ambition that we have"

IMPORTANCE OF MARKING TRAGIC EVENTS (SILENCE TO BE HELD FOR VALENCIA TRAGEDY)

"It's great because we need a lot of support and noise around what happened"

"We need support and it needs to be consistent because the issues are going to continue happening for months"

WHAT DOES JAKUB KIWIOR NEED TO DO TO BREAK INTO THE TEAM:

"Do all the qualities that he had and put him at the service of the team"

"When he has chance to play, show that he can go to the level we know he has"

HOW TO DESCRIBE WHAT THE TEAM HAS BEEN THROUGH RECENTLY

"What a great place we are in"

"We've been problems of all kinds in this club for many years"

"We are blessed to be where we are"

"It shows where we are and how good we are to react"

INZAGHI AND INTER:

"I think they have a really clear idea and identity and that for me is the biggest strength of Inter and that's full credit to the manager."

"He has some very specific ideas, especially in ball possession, the way he moves the position of certain players to occupy different spaces and this makes it tricky and unpredictable."

"To be fair, we face in the Premier League a lot of tactical issues that we have to resolve and hopefully tomorrow we're going to do that as well."

WHY HE LIKES BUKAYO AS CAPTAIN:

"Especially the way people look at him. People admire him, people respect him. People want to be next to him. He's got this capacity to inject this positivity into people, a very particular way of smiling and transmitting his energy and he's one of our leaders right now. He's come all the way from the academy, he's one of our biggest talents, biggest players, no question about that. He's got that status in the team right now."

MESSAGE TO SUPPORTERS AFTER DEFEAT AND EDU RESIGNATION:
"In moments when you have a defeat or two or certain news that nobody expects, like we've always done, we stick together with positive energy and move forward. This is part of football and we have to be very strong and that's what we've done. We've come a long way with that, so stick together."

BEING IN ITALY:

"It's certainly a privilege to be here and I'm fully prepared for the game that we're going to have to play against the opposition we're going to be facing. I love the culture, I love languages, and different ways to communicate with the world, especially with our players and staff."

ABSENCE OF DECLAN RICE:
"It was a knock so it's a problem with his foot. He wasn't comfortable with it so at the moment he's not fit."

BUKAYO SAKA

HOW HE AND THE PLAYERS FEEL ABOUT EDU LEAVING:

"We didn't know about it"

"He's a top top person and we wish him all the best"

"We know what he's done for the transformation of the football club"

"He's been involved to getting us back to the highest stage"

WHAT TOMORROW NIGHT MEANS TO BE OUT AT THE SAN SIRO IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:

"These big games always come with pressure and intensity"

"It brings the best out of me so I am looking forward to it"

HOW IMPORTANT IS TO KEEP BELIEVING OF WINNING THE BIG MAJORS EVEN IN THIS TOUGH TIME:

"I live by the quote 'it's not what you see but what you believe'"

"At the same time it's important to not be delusional"

"In this case it's not delusional to believe considering the quality we have in the squad and the fact that it's only November."

"I haven't lost any belief and I don't think anyone in the changing room has either"

DREAM TO BE CAPTAIN:

"Been a big honour to put the armband on"

"I don't take it for granted"

BEEN A DIFFICULT FEW WEEKS SO HAVE YOU SPOKEN TO THE GROUP TO TRY AND GET EVERYONE TOGETHER:

"If i needed to I would"

"It's important not to overreact"

"A lot of noise around the club because we've lost 2 and drawn 1 game"

"At the same time, it's important to stay calm"

"We don't need any panic and chaos right now"

WHAT SORT OF CAPTAIN ARE YOU:

"Martin is still the captain"

"I am part of the leadership group and where the armband when he's not around"

"Him being back now is a massive boost for us"

"I'm more of a lead by example guy"

"There's responsibility to talk sometimes and I've got to be the one to speak up"

WHY ARE RESULTS BETTER IN UCL?

"Been very good in the UCL this year"

"Very good unbeaten record and we're looking to keep that"

ALWAYS WANTING TO PLAY

"Pretty much"

"I live for football"

"When i go home I watch alot and it's always on my mind"

FAVOURITE ITALIAN PLAYER:

"Jorginho - I love him"

PLAYER OUT OF INTER FOR ARSENAL:

"Nicolo Barella is a top midfielder"

"The strikers Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez are quality as well"

"I'm happy with my teammates and I wouldn't swap any of them for sure"

HOW DO PEOPLE LOOK AT YOU AND WHO'S BEEN HIS INSIPRATION WHEN IT COMES TO THE ARMBAND:

"I've seen Martin progress and evolve within that role and I've been learning"

"He's made a big step at that"

"Harry Kane has also been a top captain as well"

"He leads by example on the pitch"

"Best to ask other people at how they see me, when I speak I'm gonna say sometime good"

HOW HE CAME BACK FROM PEN MISS AGAINST ITALY AT WEMBLEY:

"Very difficult moment"

"I didn't know how I would come out of it, took it day by day"

"Had support from family, friends, club and country"

"Had a conversation with myself where I could've not expressed myself or worked even harder to become a better player."

Published: November 5, 2024
 

Mikel Arteta speaks to the media ahead of tough Newcastle test tomorrow

After the midweek victory away at Preston North End which saw Arsenal win 3-0 and advance to the Carabao Cup Quarter-finals for the first time since the 2021/22 campaign, the Gunners are now ready to return to Premier League action to begin a tough run of games over the next 8 days. First up is Newcastle United away at St James' Park.

Mikel Arteta spoke to the media this morning and here is what he had to say:

HIS THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO THOSE IN VALENCIA:

"First of all before we start talking about football, I want to talk about the terrible disaster that is affecting my country at the moment" (mass floods in Valencia).

"I want to send my thoughts, prayers and full support to everyone who is affected - all the families and all the individuals"

"All of the country is pulling together to find the best possible solution"

"From here, I just wanted to show my full support and ask everybody in the way they can to support because it is terrible what has happened"
 

INJURY/AVAILABILITY NEWS:

GABRIEL

"We have a session today"

"If he can complete that then he'll be available"

"He hasn't trained yet but if he's able to do that session then he will be available in the squad"

RICCARDO CALAFIORI 

"Definitely out"

MARTIN ODEGAARD

"Out as well"

BEN WHITE

"Ben we don't know yet"

"He hasn't trained yet, he could not train"

"So let's wait and see if he's available"

"This injury is more related to a joint" (rather than groin)

TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU

"I don't expect him to be available before the break unfortunately"

WORRIES ABOUT GAP TO THE TOP OF THE LEAGUE:

"You want to be first, you want to win every game"

"We know the situations that we have to play this season but we're right in the mix.

"We know the tough challenge we're going to face tomorrow but we're fully ready for that"

LAST SEASON'S GAME AND COMMENTS AFTER THAT:

"It's part of the past and part of the situation that happened"

"You learn from it, you take a lot of positives and you move on"

IF THE STANDARD OF REFEREEING HAS IMPROVED SINCE:

"My intention wasn't that the comments worked"

"I have to say what I feel on the day"

HAS HE LEARNT ANYTHING NEW ABOUT THE GROUP SINCE THE LIVERPOOL GAME?

"Unfortunately a lot of things happened that we didn't even plan for"

"I was suspecting with the size of the squad we had to be very adaptable, especially in certain scenarios"

"The team for sure has showed an incredible capacity to compete and to be better that the opponents in many moments"

BEN WHITE'S PERFORMANCE AT CENTRE BACK AGAINST LIVERPOOL:

"That's Ben's quality"
"Within those positions he can adapt his role and play different heights, especially in ball possession we're demanding against a very difficult, tricky opponent with very particular duels, especially in that section of the pitch."

"To do that job, when he hasn't played there for over a year, I think he was really good"

HOW NEWCASTLE HAVE STARTED THE SEASON:

"Their position after nine games is tricky when you see the fixtures that they've had and certain situations they've been through as well"

"They're a fantastic team"

"Really well coached, very intense"

"Great stadium to play in, you know what you're going to face there so we are looking forward to it"

RUBEN AMORIM POTENTIALLY BECOMING THE NEW BOSS OF MANCHESTER UNITED:

"I cannot talk about these kind of situations"

WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE A YOUNG MANAGER IN THE LEAGUE:

"It was fantastic, great"

ETHAN NWANERI & HIS POTENTIAL:

"I can talk about how good he is right now"

"At 17 years old, to be in a position like he is at one of the biggest clubs in Europe, I think sums up really well the level that he has."

"What is going to happen in the future is mainly going to depend on him and how much he wants it."

"At the moment he wants it a lot and he's surrounded by the right people and then you will need a crystal ball to see where he is going to be in a year, two years, three years."

"My prediction is going to be very positive."

WHETHER HE'S ONE OF THE BEST YOUNG PLAYER HE HAS SEEN:

"It is rare to see a talent like this at 17 years old, that's true."

"When we gave him his debut in the Premier League, there was a lot of talk about it."

"We didn't do it because he was a gift, we did it because we knew the pathway that we wanted to build with him and we wanted to send him a really strong sign about how much we trust him and how much we wanted him to stay with us."

"We are delighted to have him."

DOES HE HAVE TO PROTECT HIM?

"I think the biggest thing is to push him, and then when he is being pushed, you always grab him right behind to make sure that he's always stable and protected."

"But with this talent, you have to push him. The protection is necessary to keep an eye on him and be at the right distance."

"He needs to see that he can fly and don't clip any wings."

HIS OWN TALENT AT 17 COMPARED TO HIM:

"Not at that level."

"I was really lucky as well because somebody trusted me at that age and gave me the opportunity, which is what they need as well."

"For the talent to emerge, somebody has to give you the chance, the belief, then you have to be surrounded by the right team, the right players."

"If you do that, you have a chance."

WHAT CAN APPLY TO ETHAN FROM MIKEL'S OWN EXPERIENCE

"Individually, a lot of things that I should have done, that I learned, so if we can give him advice, great."

"What I like about him is he really believes that he has the ability to do it".

"He really believes he is capable of taking anybody's place, and he's earned the right and trust of his teammates, which I think is vital for a teenager coming through."

WHETHER THE JOURNEY OF BUKAYO SAKA HAS HELPED

"I think that creates belief in the building, through all the academy and all the young players we signed at a very early age that there is a pathway that is clear and that we're going to give them opportunities, and if they earn it, they'll be treated like the rest."

THE PHYSICAL JUMP TO PL MATCHES FOR HIM

"It's a huge jump, and we need to understand where he's coming from, and if he had any issues in the past three or five years in his growth and development."

"The physical side, as well as the mental side, the tactical side, is really important to take care of because a lot goes through the roof straight away without you knowing."

"Then you look back and say: 'look what he's done in the last four months compared to the last 18 months.' "We need to keep an eye on that."

IS INTER MILAN A POSSIBILITY NEXT WEEK FOR MARTIN ODEGAARD?

"Now is the stage when he will do certain work with us."

"Let's see how he deals with pain, if he moves naturally enough, if he is physically now at the level that requires him to compete."

"But with the workrate and the hours he's put in, I would be surprised that the moment he starts training with us, we don't say that he looks ready."

"So hopefully soon."

 
Published: November 1, 2024
 

Written by Theo Tarling

Mikel Arteta’s pre-match press conference ahead of huge Liverpool clash on Sunday

Mikel Arteta admitted that Arsenal have had "very bad luck with injury" and that "a lot of drawings and ifs will need to be made" in terms of the lineup against Liverpool. Despite that, he praised his side for "getting on with it and showing their teeth.”

Here is what else the boss had to say ahead of the table topping clash against Liverpool:

INJURY NEWS

(IN REGARDS TO SAKA, TIMBER AND CALAFIORI)

"Do our best to have them all available"

" Very, very uncertain for all three"

RICCARDO CALAFIORI:

"Needs more tests, had some both yesterday and today"

"Last time we thought it was really bad but he ended up playing 2/3 days later"

"It might be different this time" (in reference to whether he might make it)

BUKAYO SAKA:

"He has done a bit of training on the grass."

"How far we can get him to Sunday, that is the question"

"Good thing is we have another day to prepare, we will see"

JURRIEN TIMBER:

"First session he could have some involvement"

"We expected him to be further back than he actually was" (he's made much better progress than expected)

HOW TO COPE WITH THE GAP LEFT BY WILLIAM SALIBA

"We have different options, players that have played there before"

"It's true that partnership (between Gabriel and Saliba) has been very stable"

"Have to find a different solution which is something as a team we need to be good at."

WHETHER THERE'S A TEMPTATION TO CHANGE ANYTHING UP/DO ANYTHING DIFFERENT IN ORDER TO GET THAT ADVANTAGE FOR SUNDAY:

"After the defeat with ten men at Bournemouth, we had to pick ourselves up (for the Champions League game).

"Started extremely well, the first half was really good"

"Should've been better with the scoreline and it left the feeling of wanting more"

"They had a day off, 2 days to prepare like they always do."

"They love these type of matches at the Emirates"

"We know the atmosphere the people will generate so we're looking forward to it"

WHAT WILL GIVE ARSENAL THE EDGE IN THIS GAME?

"Things go our way and we play the game we want to"

"Play with dominance, belief, energy and commitment that is required in a big match like this"

HIS THOUGHTS ON ARNE SLOT AND HIS START TO LIFE ON MERSEYSIDE:

"Very good"

"They're in a really good moment"

"They were already a very strong team but you can see the touch he's given them"

MOST DANGEROUS ASPECT OF THIS LIVERPOOL SIDE:

"This is a team for 9 years that has competed for 9 years at the highest level"

"They have individual quality to damage you"

"They have consistently been there so they've been very good at everything they do"

DEPTH IN THE BACKLINE, (6TH DIFFERENT COMBINATION OF THE SEASON):

"We have had to adapt"

"Ideally we would have other options"

"Versatile players have been really helpful"

"Ideally more consistency but that's the situation"

HARD DONE BY DUE TO INJURIES AND SUSPENSIONS:

"This is the game"

"Didn't want to be in this situation"

"We are really lucky to have the players, squad and attitude to reacting to different situations'

"Don't feel sorry for ourselves and face it"

"We know how good we are as a team and how difficult we can be for opponents"

DOES THIS GAME REQUIRE A DIFFERENT MENTALITY:

"We are always going to be ourselves"

"You adapt and make certain alterations to fit the quality of the players"

POSSIBILITY OF A START FOR MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY AND ETHAN NWANERI?

"They are there, they are in contention"

"They are giving us options"

"Myles came on the other night and did really well, Ethan is doing the same (in recent weeks)"

"They are first team players so they are treated like anyone else"

IS THIS A GOOD GAME FOR ETHAN AND MYLES TO COME INTO?

"Don't feel much fear especially those two"

"It brings the crowd together and creates energy which is really good"

"It's about throwing them in the best moment with the right players around them"

(Any fear of doing it) "No, we did it in the Champions League the other day (with Myles Lewis Skelly)

ARE LIVERPOOL TITLE CONTENDERS?

"For me they are one of the best teams in the league"

"IThey are consistently there competing as they showed for 9 years (against City)

IS THIS THE BIGGEST TEST FOR 2/3 YEARS AS ARSENAL MANAGER:

"We've had difficult and hard moments"

"The atmosphere will be tremendous"

"The team is so energized and we're looking forward to it"

ON IF THEY WERE TO LOSE:

"If we were to win this game"

TITLE RACE TALK:

"We cannot think like this in October"

HOW HARD HE'S HAD TO WORK TO STOP LEAKS:

"A lot of kids wants to do their teams and managers (in reference to FPL)

"It's our job to protect that because you don't want to give anything away."

"Lots of sensitive information we try to protect"

INJURY BAD LUCK

"Very bad luck"

"Certain knee injuries and traumatic injuries"

"3 injuries with the national team"

"What happened with Ricky (Calafiori) and before with Tomiyasu,it can happen so we have to react to that"

SURPRISED BY SLOT?

"No because the infrastructure was already there"

"He's a good manager who has evolved the team"

DO YOU KNOW YOUR LINEUP?

"A lot of drawings and ifs"

"The team that starts won't be the team that finishes"

"Happens every week so we have to prepare for these scenarios"

WHAT HE'S LEARNT ABOUT THE TEAM'S CHARACTER:

"Love watching individuals react to that"

"No one has spoken about the bad luck"

"Get on with it and show your teeth and how much you want"

"We need the crowd more"
 

Published: October 25, 2024
 

Mikel Arteta’s post-match press conference after narrow win over Shakhtar Donetsk

Following Arsenal's 1-0 over Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, Mikel Arteta spoke to the media about the performance and here’s what he had to say.
  

ON THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE:

"Two very different halves"

"First half was very dominant and created four big chances which we should've converted and put the game to bed"

"Second half was very different"

"Very tired and lacked that sharpness with and without the ball"

"Missed a big chance with the penalty and then we had to dig in"

"Credit to them (Shakhtar), they are a very good side"

"Overall, it's Champions League, get the win, clean sheet and move on"
 

INJURY CONCERNS?

Ben White:

"Ben was my decision to take him out"

"Played enough with ten men recently so did not want to take any risks at all with that"

Riccardo Calafiori:

"Ricky was something different"

"He felt something but I don't know the extent of it"

"Not great news"

TEAM WAS TIRED IN THE SECOND HALF - HOW TO RE-ENERGISE THEM FOR SUNDAY AGAINST LIVERPOOL:

"Played two and a half days ago after coming back from internationals"

"I was expecting a drop off"

"I think we paid a little bit in the second half considering we put so much energy into the first half and didn't convert all those chances"

"We have now 4 days"

" Believe me, on Sunday we will be flying"

ENOUGH REST FOR SUNDAY?

"We'll review"

"Sunday if far and I'll be more confident"

IS GABRIEL MARTINELLI STARTING TO LOOK BACK TO HIS BEST?

"Looked really sharp"

"Really fresh, fresher than anybody on that pitch because he couldn't start against Bournemouth"

"Another gear and level of threat"

"He had a great performance today"

DECISION ON THE PENALTY?

"They made that decision"

"Penalty takers are usually Bukayo (Saka) and Martin (Odegaard)"

"After that we have 2/3 players that can take it and unfortunately Leo (Trossard) missed it."

"It was an opportunity missed"

HOW IMPORTANT WILL GABRIEL JESUS BE?

"Very important because he can play in different positions and role"

"Exceptional attitude"

"Very unlucky because he had two big chances which could've been converted"

"We need everybody"

IMPORTANCE ON FINISHING TOP 8 IN THE LEAGUE PHASE?

"Would be great"

"Very difficult to look at currently because it's always changing"

"The amount of games and different opponents we are playing"

"Champions League and winning at home is very important"

"Very happy and lets move on"

Published: October 22, 2024

Mikel Arteta speaks to the press ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk encounter

Ahead of tomorrow's tie in the UEFA Champions League, manager Mikel Arteta spoke to the media. Here's what he had to say:

REFLECTING ON THE END OF OUR UNBEATEN START AND WHAT HE SAID TO THE PLAYERS:

"Put a bit of perspective into the situation, always want to win in any context but that context was made very difficult with players out, scheduling and amount of games played but that's the reality of the situation."

"Could've been a very different narrative, reality is we didn't"

"Context is we've lost once in 6 months so now we have to win again"
 

WHETHER THERE IS ANY ISSUES AROUND ARSENAL'S DISCIPLINARY RECORD:

"Playing with 10 men is an issue"

"The reasons for each outcome are all extremely different"

"Cannot continue to play with 10 men"

"Task becomes almost impossible playing with 10 men for 65 minutes."
 

INJURY UPDATES:

Bukayo Saka - "Progressing really well, let's see how he feels after the training session later on"

Martin Odegaard - "Also progressing really well but unfortunately is still not fit enough"

Jurrien Timber - "Close to being back but have to see how he trains with the whole group, had a muscle injury.”  
 

SPEAKING TO THE PLAYERS ON THE MISTAKES AFTER THE BOURNEMOUTH GAME:

"We are aligned so that we can't continue to play with ten men."

"Have to take that pain and use it for tomorrow night"
 

HOW MUCH SYMPATHY FELT FOR SHAKHTAR DONETSK CONSIDERING THE CIRCUMSTANCES?

"A lot of sympathy for the situation they are in"

"Incredible attitude towards the situation and the things they have to put in place to play football matches is remarkable"

"We will welcome them in the best possible way"

"Decided to use football's positives benefits to life in a very powerful way"

"Used sport to bring joy to people's lives"
 

WILLIAM SAILBA'S RED CARD AGAINST BOURNEMOUTH:

" Leave that more to the club"

"They will decide themselves"
 

HOW VITAL TOMORROW IS:

"Desire is there, desperate to play these type of matches”
"Atmosphere will be terrific so let's earn the right to win the game”
 

DOES THE TEAM HAVE TO CHANGE THEIR WAY TO ACCOMMODATE DISCIPLINE?

"Nothing to do with aggression in my opinion"

"Want to be super competitive"
 

ON FANS WANTING ETHAN NWANERI TO BE GIVEN MORE MINUTES AND HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO THROW HIM IN FROM THE START:

"It's identifying moments and understanding where he is and where the team is"

"He's done a lot in a short period of time"

"Take it step by step and make sure those steps are consistent and can allow to grow in the manner that we want him to"
 

HOW HE ANALYSED THE CHANGED TEAM AGAINST BOURNEMOUTH:

"Different because Leo has been playing more centrally but Gabi wasn't fit enough to start so has to adapt that and the midfield"

"Very difficult to analyse"

"Different and new connections that we have to try due to injuries"

Published: October 21, 2024

Written by Thomas Olorunnifemi

Mikel Arteta's press conference ahead of Bournemouth clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media today, shedding light on the fitness of key players ahead of tomorrow's Premier League match against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
 

Injury Updates

Arteta delivered positive news on Bukayo Saka's injury, stating it's "not serious" and the winger is "evolving very well." The club remains hopeful for his availability.

Kai Havertz may also feature this weekend, pending a successful training session today. Meanwhile, defenders Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko are nearing returns, with Arteta hoping for "positive news today" to confirm their availability for tomorrow.
 

Defensive Concerns

Arteta expressed disappointment with his team's conceding of "certain goals" in the last two matches, highlighting the importance of addressing "little things" to prevent future lapses.

"It's about consistency, making sure we play with urgency, cohesion and focus," Arteta stressed. "The last two games allowed [conceding goals], but I wasn't very happy."
 

Concerns Remain

Martinelli's fitness will be assessed after today's training, with Arteta cautious about taking risks. However, Martin Odegaard has been ruled out for the Bournemouth match, with next week deemed "crucial" for his recovery.

Thomas Partey has recovered from illness and is fit for selection. Takehiro Tomiyasu, however, has picked up another injury, although Arteta doesn't expect a lengthy absence.
 

Tribute to Jack Wilshere

Arteta also reflected on Jack Wilshere's departure from the club, praising his former teammate's unique connection to Arsenal.

”He has been great, everyone knows about his career and character; he's a special personality.”

Arteta highlighted Wilshere's exceptional charisma and ability to connect with people.

”He has this aura, charisma and a way with connecting to people. He came here and had a real impact."

This endorsement from Arteta underscores Wilshere's lasting legacy at Arsenal.
 

England Players and Thomas Tuchel

Arteta praised incoming England manager Thomas Tuchel, expressing confidence that his English players will "learn a lot" from the renowned coach.
 

Bournemouth Preview

Arteta acknowledged the threat posed by Bournemouth, managed by Andoni Iraola.

Arteta praised Bournemouth's coaching and squad quality, noting they "should have different results." He warned his team to be prepared for a tough match.

"They are very well-coached, and we will have to be at our best game tomorrow to get a result," Arteta cautioned.
 

Key Quotes:

- "Bukayo Saka's injury is not serious, he's evolving very well and we are hopeful."

- "Kai Havertz could also be involved this weekend if all goes to plan in training."

- "They [England players] are going to learn a lot. [Thomas Tuchel] is one of the best coaches in the world."
 

Match Details:

- Bournemouth vs Arsenal

- Saturday (October 19, 2024)

- 5:30pm kick-off

- Vitality Stadium
  

 Published: October 19, 2024

Arsenal in talks with Wolves over signing Ruben Neves

According to Duncan Castles at The Times, Arsenal have started to work on a deal to sign Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves.

Wolverhampton are open to selling a few of their key players this summer in order to raise funds, and Neves is one of them.

UPDATE:

Tim Spiers at The Athletic confirms there has been contact between Arsenal and Wolves regarding the possibility of signing Ruben Neves.

Wolves correspondent Joe Edwards also says that Arsenal are interested in the midfielder.

Published: June 6, 2021

Mat Ryan joins Arsenal on loan

Arsenal have today completed their first signing of the January transfer window. Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan has agreed to join the Gunners on loan until the end of the season. Ryan is an experienced goalkeeper and knows the Premier League very well. He is available for tomorrow's FA-Cup game against Southampon away. Whether he makes his debut tomorrow remains to be seen though.

Welcome to Arsenal, Mat!

Published: Friday, 22 January 2021

Arsenal prepared to activate €50m release clause to sign Thomas Partey

According to Spanish source Libertad Digital, Arsenal are willing to pay the €50m (£42m) release clause to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey this summer. An offer from Arsenal is on the table and Arsenal have, according to the Spanish outlet, held talks with Partey's representatives. However, the Ghanaian midfielder's representatives are also in talks with Atletico Madrid over a new contract for their client.

If the report is true, Thomas Partey will have to make an important decision on his future very soon, whether to extend his Atletico Madrid contract or join Arsenal this summer.

Published: Monday, 24 February 2020

Arsenal to sign Cedric Soares within 24 hours

After having completed a deal today for Pablo Mari, Arsenal are not finished with their business.

Many sources, including David Ornstein, Daily Mail, The Telegraph, Evening Standard etc), have reported today that Arsenal are close to signing Southampton full-back Cedric Soares. David Ornstein says the deal is expected to be completed within the next 24 hours. Like Pablo Mari, this deal will also be a loan deal with Arsenal having an option to buy Cedric Soares permanently in the summer.

Let´s wait and see what happens...

Published: Wednesday, 29 January 2020

Arsenal considering January move for Kevin Volland

According to a report from Sky Sports this evening, Arsenal are considering a move for Bayer Leverkusen forward Kevin Volland in January. 

The 27-year-old German international has apparently been scouted by The Gunners a few times recently and Volland is expected to be one of several names that will be put to new Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. 

Kevin Volland is a left footed centre-forward, but can also play on the right wing where he likes to cut inside and creating chances. With just 18 months left on his current contract with Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal could possibly try to get him for a cheaper price in January.

Published: Sunday, 22 December 2019

Nicolas Pepe an Arsenal player within the next 24-48 hours?

Nicolas Pepe from Lille is very close to become an Arsenal player! The French club have, according to BBC, reached an agreement with Arsenal in a five-year deal that is worth 80 million euros. This means that Arsenal will break their club record in highest transfer fee, current holder of that record is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who signed for Arsenal with a fee of 63 million euros. But Arsenal, with a limited transfer budget this summer, will pay for the 24-year-old via series of instalments. 

The only thing that remains is an agreement between Arsenal and Nicolas Pepe's representatives, who needs to be finalised.

The transfer is expected to be done within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Published: Saturday, 27 July 2019

Official: Dani Ceballos joins Arsenal on loan

Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos has signed a season-long loan deal with Arsenal. Last season, he totally played 34 matches and scored 3 goals in the Real Madrid shirt. And now it's time for the 22 (soon 23) year old Spaniard to play in the Arsenals shirt this upcoming season.

"It feels exciting to welcome Dani to us. He is a talented player with great technical skills, as well as his creativity and precision", says Unai Emery.

Ceballos will wear shirt number 8 in Arsenal.

Welcome to Arsenal, Dani!

Published: Thursday, 25 July 2019

Arsenal to make another offer to Crystal Palace for Wilfried Zaha

Sky Sports report this evening that Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has told his club that he wants to leave this summer after having returned from Africa Cup Of Nations with his Ivory Coast. 

Crystal Palace have already rejected a £40m bid for Zaha from Arsenal. But Sky Sports say that Arsenal are expected to raise their offer for Wilfried Zaha in the coming days.

Wilfried Zaha is Arsenal's number 1 transfer target this summer and Unai Emery has, according to Sky Sports, wanted to sign Zaha since Palace beat Arsenal 3-2 at the Emirates in April when Zaha also scored.

Zaha's preferred destination this summer is Arsenal.

Published: Thursday, 18 July 2019

Image Credits: GettyImages

Arsenal make £40m bid for Wilfried Zaha

Arsenal have today made a bid worth £40m for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, according to Sky Sports. The reported bid has also been confirmed by the reliable David Ornstein but he says the bid will be rejected and that Arsenal will have to negotiate with Crystal Palace over a lower fee for a chance to sign Zaha. Wilfried Zaha's brother Judicael has told Sky Sports that he hopes the two clubs agree a deal, which means Zaha would get his chance to play for his boyhood club Arsenal:

 "Wilfried will always hold Crystal Palace and their fans in the highest regard and all the support they have given means the world to him. It's my brother's dream though, to play for Arsenal. Given all that Wilfried has given to Crystal Palace to help them remain a Premier League club, I hope Palace will be able to see their way to agreeing a deal with Arsenal that allows Wilfried to realise his dream of playing European Football for the club he's supported since childhood"

UPDATE:

Daily Mail report that Arsenal have opened talks with Crystal Palace over the possibility to sign Wilfried Zaha, but an official bid is yet to be tabled. Judicael, Zaha's brother, have also spoken to Daily Mail: 

'Wilfried has had a two very good spells with Crystal Palace and they have achieved a lot together. After playing a big role in Palace getting promoted, he went to Manchester United came back and had helped them consolidate in the Premier League.

'Crystal Palace have told me that if an opportunity presented itself again for him to join a club who play European football regularly they would not stop Wilfried from getting back up to that level because they know there is a limit to whether he can fulfil all of his ambitions with Palace.

'They said if an opportunity like this presented itself they would not stand in his way. We are hoping they still feel that way and they can come to agreement with Arsenal quickly, for the benefit of Wilfried's future.' 

Published: Monday, 1 July 2019

Celtic's Kieran Tierney (SNS Group)

Source confirms talks between Arsenal and Celtic over Kieran Tierney

A well informed Scottish source have told Daily Arsenal that The Gunners are in talks with Celtic over signing 22-year-old left-back Kieran Tierney. The Scottish Sun reported recently that Arsenal have had an opening £15m bid rejected by Celtic for Kieran Tierney.

UPDATE: 

The very reliable David Ornstein confirms that Celtic have rejected Arsenal's opening £15m bid for Tierney, but says there is optimism between the two clubs to reach an agreement. Ornstein adds that Arsenal are expected to return with an improved offer and that personal terms shouldn't be a problem for the Scotland international. 

Published: Saturday, 22 June 2019

Alexis-Claude Maurice, soon an Arsenal player?

Published: Sunday, 16 June 2019

Image Credits: GettyImages

Granit Xhaka speaks out regarding his future

Last week, Swiss RSI Sport reported that Granit Xhaka was on his way to Inter. But now, the midfielder can stay in Arsenal. When the Swiss newspaper Blick asked him if he intended to leave Arsenal, he answered: "Not what I know. I have four more years on my contract, I signed last year. I am happy there, my family too. That's the most important".

Published: Monday, 10 June 2019