Mikel Arteta faced the media before Arsenal’s match against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Arsenal had a long break due to their FA Cup exit, while Nottingham Forest played a draw with Bristol City. Arteta had time to prepare his team for a tough week starting with Forest and ending with a match against Liverpool. He was expected to discuss several topics, including his future at the club and rumors linking him with Barcelona. There were also questions about the fitness of players like Thomas Partey, who had recently returned to training. Arteta was asked about the possibility of signing new players before the January transfer window closed.
Arteta confirmed that there had been no talks regarding a new contract yet, but mentioned that these things would happen naturally when the time came. He responded to rumors about him leaving for Barcelona, calling them “totally fake news” and expressing that he was upset about the suggestions. He made it clear that he intended to stay at Arsenal. Arteta also spoke about the situation with his players. Partey was back in training, but Arteta confirmed he would not be in the squad for the upcoming game against Nottingham Forest. The manager also provided updates on Gabriel Magalhães and Declan Rice, who were both dealing with injuries. Arteta admitted there were still some uncertainties surrounding the availability of some players for the match.
Regarding the transfer market, Arteta acknowledged that Arsenal was in need of reinforcements but highlighted the difficulty of making moves within the constraints of the club’s financial rules. The club was unlikely to make significant signings in the January window, but Arteta did mention that a loan move could be a possibility to add depth to the squad.
Arteta also discussed his relationship with his current players, including Thomas Partey, who has been a key player for the team. Partey’s return to fitness was a welcome boost, but Arteta warned that the team would need to be cautious with his recovery. Arsenal’s manager reflected on the impact of key injuries throughout the season, which had affected the team’s consistency. Despite the challenges, Arsenal was still in the race for the Premier League title.
Arteta also addressed the ongoing speculation about his future and his connections with Barcelona, given the impending departure of Xavi Hernandez from the club. While Arteta had been open in the past about the possibility of returning to Spain one day, he made it clear that he was fully committed to his work at Arsenal. He appreciated the opportunity he had to work with the club and felt there was still much to be done.
In terms of player availability for the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest, Arteta confirmed that Partey would not be playing. He also discussed the progress of other players recovering from injuries. The manager was hopeful that some players, including Rice, would be available for the match but cautioned that there were still some decisions to be made closer to the game.
Arsenal’s future was also a topic of discussion. Arteta’s plans for the team were clear, and he remained focused on improving the squad. With the season progressing, Arteta knew that Arsenal would need to keep pushing to stay competitive, especially as they faced tough matches in the coming weeks. His leadership was seen as crucial in maintaining the team’s high level of performance.
Looking ahead, Arteta reflected on the challenges of the upcoming matches, particularly against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool. Arsenal needed to continue their strong performances to keep their title hopes alive. The team had shown resilience throughout the season, despite facing setbacks with injuries and other challenges.
Arteta’s comments about his future and the team’s progress were aimed at reassuring supporters. His commitment to the club was clear, and he emphasized that he was focused on achieving success with Arsenal. As the season moved forward, Arteta knew that there would be many more challenges to overcome, but he was confident in his squad’s ability to perform.
With the transfer window closing soon, Arteta and the club were preparing for the final days of activity. While big signings seemed unlikely, the possibility of making some smaller moves or securing loans remained on the table. Arsenal’s squad was in need of depth, particularly in midfield and defense, and Arteta was looking for ways to strengthen the team as much as possible.
As Arsenal prepared for their match against Nottingham Forest, Arteta was determined to keep the team focused on the task at hand. Despite the distractions surrounding his future and the transfer window, his priority was ensuring that the team was ready for the challenges ahead. Arsenal had a strong chance of competing for the title, and Arteta was committed to making the most of the opportunity.
Overall, Arteta’s press conference highlighted his determination to stay at Arsenal and continue to build on the team’s success. He was focused on the immediate challenges of the season, particularly the upcoming matches against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool. With key players returning from injury and the team working hard to maintain their form, Arsenal was in a strong position to continue their push for the Premier League title. Arteta’s leadership and commitment to the club remained unwavering, and he was looking forward to what the future would bring.
