Every word Mikel Arteta said on Mikel Merino and Nketiah transfers, Arsenal contract, Sterling

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken to the press ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash with Aston Villa, including updates on Mikel Merino, Eddie Nketiah, Raheem Sterling and more

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given some key insights into the club's dealings as the transfer window heads towards its finale next week.

Before that, though, there's the small matter of facing former Gunners boss Unai Emery and his Champions League-qualified Aston Villa side at Villa Park.

The Gunners dropped points both home and away against Villa last season, and will be hoping to get some revenge and add some real momentum to their charge towards a Premier League title challenge with a statement win against tough opposition.

Read what Arteta had to say below...

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta responds to Mikel Merino and Eddie Nketiah Arsenal transfer rumours

READ MORE: Mikel Merino to Arsenal transfer delay explained, Ivan Toney blow, Raheem Sterling hope

What's the hold up with a deal for Merino and is it starting to annoy you?

No. I cannot talk about any player that's not with us. There's still time in the market. Both ways. For all the managers, for all the teams here. You can see it's getting very busy.

Will it be done soon?

I don't know soon. The full focus is on the players that we have at the moment, the big match we have at Aston Villa and that's all.

Do you expect Eddie to leave?

I expect Eddie to train with us today. To be prepared for tomorrow. That's it. Whatever happens will happen if it's good for everybody.

When you look at your squad do you sense they feel it's their time?

I always had that feeling. Belief in the players and trusting them is the only way to get the best out of individuals. We always have them. To achieve what level? That's something else. It's another thing to perform at the highest level to win the game. That's the challenge. It's the second game and that's what we're going to do.

What did Villa do well to beat you twice last season?

They scored and we didn't. Very simple. We had an enormous amount of chances to do that. That was one of the big differences, we have analysed other stuff, but that's what we'll have to do better tomorrow because they're a really good side. Really well coached.

What makes them so difficult?

They are a really good side. If you give them space in behind they are phenomenal, if they have to find space they are great at that, any set pieces they are a threat. That's why they did what they did.

Four of the Premier League managers are Basque…

It's a big community eh!

Why is that?

Go to San Sebastian and come back and ask me that question. It's a beautiful place, beautiful city, great restaurants, great culture.

What makes such great managers?

Probably the passion and the education that we got. Then we all need chances. Someone has to believe in you. What Unai and Julen did for us is incredible because they set the standards so high. The way they coached the teams, the way they represented the clubs at the highest level. I think that gave a platform for the younger ones like Xabi, Andoni and myself to probably earn that curiosity and say 'OK maybe there are coaches here'. We have to be very grateful to those two.

Do you have Basque managers WhatsApp group?

No we don't.

Is Timber an option in midfield?

Yeah he is. He can play in various positions. His versatility is one of his biggest strengths. We missed him for 11 months. It’s great to have him back. He played some quality minutes the other day. Like Alex did too. I think Alex was really good in the first 60 minutes against Wolves. Having that capacity to find what the squad is needing in that minute is really valued.

How has developing the project these past few seasons been?

It's great. It gives you so much energy. In our job every day is something new, something you want to unveil and try. The players give you the most information every day, they want to get better and they want to evolve. This is why the transformation happens because everybody wants to do that.

Declan Rice best position at No.6 but loves playing at No.8, want him to play both or feel develop as a No.6?

I think so. At his age, it is a big mistake not to do that or not to have the capacity to do that, to play in different positions and then within the game he will have a different role in relation to opponents as well and what they do. Last year he showed he has the ability to shift from one game to another, sometimes in the same game and to have players like that in the squad is really important.

Arsenal away form been excellent last two years, how much confidence does it give the team?

That we done it. That is the confidence and now we have to show it again. Tomorrow we have to go there with that belief, be very clear in what we want to do and what we have to do to earn the right to win the game. We will certainly try to do it.

Saka one win away from 100 Premier League wins, he breaks lots of record, is that something he can use to keep challenging him?

That is a question for him. Obviously when you look at those numbers at his age, he is very, very special and special in the position he plays. A different position can be more consistent, but a rare thing to see and big credit to him.

Timber did well v Wolves, is he fit enough to start?

Well, he had a really good pre-season to a point and then we had to stop him because he had a little issue there. So, we didn't believe he was ready and we had to build him up. We have to be cautious, so I am not sure.

Five Arsenal players in PFA Team of the Year and you went, important to show your support?

Yeah, it was a really proud moment, obviously for the second year in a row to have five players in the starting XI, it is a big thing. Everybody at the club is really proud of them, really proud of the team because they are there because all the players have contributed for them to perform at that level and all the staff involved every day to try make them better.

Have number of players you want to bring in before it shuts next week, still be looking up to end of the window?

We have to because anything can happen both ways. You have to be ready and especially in the last week. You have to be alert and prepared because a lot of surprises can come, for many different reasons and we are prepared.

Many expected new contract to be done, for any fans concerned, can you give an update?

The focus has been on the transfer window. We had quite a lot of things to do and discuss. We are on it and we will take care of that in the right moment.

Once the window is done, will you have talks?

Yeah.

How big a test is away to Villa?

Yeah, one of the toughest places to go for sure and we know that. We've prepared really well to understand what we have to do and we'll go there to try to win the game.

Anything in this personally over Unai?

Personally? I don't take things personally. I just have the will to win and to prepare the team in the best possible manner regardless of who I play against.

Week left, how would you sum it up. Some clubs probably trying to catch you up?

Everybody will be in a different position. We knew what we wanted to do and what we could do. That is important. You have to put those two things together at the end and then what is available that can strength the squad and make the team better for the short, medium and long-term, which is important.

Another thing is, very important, is to look at our academy. It has to be looked at in the right way because now we have some very important talents coming up there and we have to create some space for them kids to come very close to the first-team.

Seems like clubs are selling their academy players rather than promoting them?

I wouldn't look at it that way that because Arsenal and other clubs have sold other players. They are part of the squad, they are getting sold sometimes because a player wants to go, sometimes because the clubs need to and because both of them agreed it's the best thing to do at that stage of their career - and those players have been at the club for a long time, with foreign players that doesn’t happen.

I wouldn't look at it that way, I think it is important that when we and a player make a decision, we are fully aligned. In the case of Emile it was clear. He expressed that desire to play more, with what happened in the last two seasons, and it's very understandable. You cannot stand in the way of someone who has given you so much.

I know a lot of the focus is on what happens on the pitch and the transfer market but do you place much importance on the way you communicate information? Whether that be with us here or with your players?

Yes, especially not to create more problems. It is very important. I'm here representing the club, that team, those players. You guys (journalists) have to understand what we do and I have to express that in the right manner. I need to understand where you guys are coming from as well. It is very important every time we are here in front of the media representing the club. It’s a huge thing.

A skill that needs developing over time?

It is but you have that responsibility as a player as well when they put the mic to you straight after the game and your heart is still beating and full of emotion. It's tricky and we don't get any education for that. It's probably trial and error. A lot of error and then hopefully you get better but it's something that is there and we have to live with it.

On that, you were sat in the stands at Villa away last year…

I didn't enjoy it one bit. The moment I love the most during the week, you are building everything to get to that moment on the grass next to the players. The competition is in your veins and to be there (the stands) was frustrating.

Did it make you think 'I have to make sure I'm never here again'?

Yeah. When you make a mistake you are there thinking 'I should have'.

Raheem Sterling's been left out of the Chelsea squad a couple of times. Any temptation to give him a call?

No, but I can talk about my time with Raheem. It was exceptional, we built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at the time we were together and he taught me a lot as well. About individuals, how they play and how we give them support and help them. He’s someone I have a really strong feeling about.

Any sympathy for Enzo Maresca and how big his squad is?

I don't know, I'm not in his shoes. He's someone I really like. The way he coaches, he has some really good things about him. I know him a little bit and I just wish him the best. He's got a beautiful project ahead of him as well I think, so just wish him the best.

Said you'd look at the contract next month…

I didn't say next month.

When the window's closed. You must be excited by not just this season but the years to come at Arsenal?

I am. I am very grateful first of all for where I’m sitting and the people I work with every single day because it's really difficult to find that harmony, trust, belief and alignment in the vision. It’s something I always mention because I believe we still have an unbelievable time ahead of us. It’s very exciting and I am very excited about it.

Pep and Klopp's longevity a target for you?

I see today and tomorrow. That is the reality as managers and we have to live with that urgency. Looking two-three years down the line, you have to plan because what happens to the club afterwards depends on how good the results we get are - that’s it. That’s the reality. In the meantime, do your best and enjoy it if you can.

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