S Poddar
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces the media ahead of this weekend’s crucial Premier League encounter at Villa Park against Aston Villa. With the Gunners off to a mixed start in their Premier League campaign, he is bound to answer questions ranging from transfers and team selection to the strategy for the upcoming match.
The week hasn’t been less of a whirlwind for Arsenal. Next, the Gunners are pushing for an imminent signing worth £28 million for Real Sociedad midfielder, Mikel Merino, who would consequently bolster the options in the midfield department. Meanwhile, talks of his striker Eddie Nketiah moving out are rife, and Nottingham Forest are reportedly closing in on him with a price of about £30 million.
The transfer window doesn’t shut until the end of August, though, and there’s also speculation around the potential arrival of Raheem Sterling. Reports say he is available to leave Chelsea this summer, with the England winger having previously worked under Arteta during their time together at Manchester City.
But immediate focus for Arteta should be the challenge that Aston Villa is expected to pose. Villa became something of a bogeyman for Arsenal last season. They defeated the Gunners 1-0 in a match where everything was not going to plan. A few weeks later, when they completed a league double over the Gunners, they dealt out the cruellest blow—a 2-0 win at the Emirates in April, all but ending the Gunners’ title push. The Gunners will be hungry for revenge and an overdue away win.
Live Updates: Arteta’s Press Conference
Follow all the updates live from the press conference here with football.london’s chief Arsenal correspondent, Kaya Kaynak
- Managerial Longevity: Emulating the longevity of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, Arteta was very realistic about the managerial world of the present day. “I see myself in the present and planning for the immediate future,” he stated. “But that urgency actually motivates me. We do have long-term plans in place, but in the meantime, my focus is on delivering results and making the most of the resources we have.”
- Timber Versatility: Arteta confirmed that young defender Jurrien Timber is one who offers valuable versatility. “He can excel in several positions,” Arteta said. “He has great adaptability in that aspect. The truth is that he surprised me in the last game, and having players who can adapt at any time to the team’s needs is big.”
Nketiah’s Future: Arteta was reserved about Nketiah’s possible departure in this summer transfer window, only managing to say, “I expect Eddie to be fully committed to training today and prepare for the match tomorrow. Whatever transpires on the transfer front will happen if it benefits all parties involved.”
– Merino Transfer Update: Pressed on the potential of the transfer being completed today, Arteta was reticent to give too much away. “I do not think it’s a time for me to mention the names of the players that are not signed at all with the football club,” he said. “We have some time in the transfer window and things can change really quickly. At the moment, my main focus is going to be with the squad that will be at my disposal for the next game.”
Peering down the Motorway to Villa Park
While the transfer activity may well dominate the headlines, for Arsenal, it is all about the upcoming clash with Aston Villa. Arteta will be looking toward resolving some of the tactical issues that resulted in them losing to Villa last season and to get his team fired up to go gain a vital three points.
