Mikel Arteta faces the media ahead of the first Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium this season. Leeds United visit, but all the attention is on the players, both potentially new and existing.
News that Eberechi Eze is on his way to North London has got the fan base buzzing with excitement, but whether he can play against the Whites remains to be seen. There is also the matter of whether they can register him in time with the deadline being 12pm on Friday to have got the paperwork to the authorities.
Then there is the news regarding Kai Havertz too, who suffered a knee injury against Manchester United. Ben White and Christian Norgaard also missed the open training session this week and an update is expected on the pair from the manager this afternoon.
Did you react in the market to the Havertz injury or did you always plan to do that?
It wasn’t accurate. I think that I was very clear, we wasn’t done and we were looking to do something.
We are not reacting to anything, we’ve decided this is what we want to do.
On Trossard’s new deal
I prefer not to because it’s not my duty. That situation has been resolved in a really great way, and I think I’m really happy to have him.
When Leo was here, I was very adamant I wanted him here.
On if the transfers are a statement
I think we are showing the ambition that we are here to win major trophies. Those come with demands and I think those demands are clear.
We want to be in front, not behind and chasing but in front!
On David Raya
That he is very big here and very brave. You cannot be the tallest and you can be very brave. He is a super athlete, very dynamic, very agile. He can time things really well.
Arteta on working with Andrea Berta
Someone very thorough, very determined and I have enjoyed a lot working with him.
On Timber
On Jurrien we have to manage his load, he has been out for a long time. We had a long week, we have to manage the load and we have decided to take a little bit of training down.
On Madueke
Yeah a creative player that can unlock offensive situations. He creates spaces in other places and having more creativity too.
On Eze
Nothing to comment you know I can never talk about a player that’s not part of our group or club yet.
On Gyokeres playing 60 vs United
Well depending how the game developed and every game brings different challenges, different opportunities. We decided at that moment he did enough and Kai come on the change the game.
Norgaard and White
Christian won’t be in the squad. With Ben, let’s see how he reacts.
Christian will be out for a week or so.
More on Havertz and dealing with it
Well mentally, he’s in a good place. Strong, commited and he had an incredible recovery.
Now he’s got a set back, let’s see how bad it is.
On Kai Havertz
Well he’s certainly not fit, and we dont really know the extent of it. We need some more time and more tests.
I prefer not to talk about the specifics. We will decide further about what we’re going to do.
I don’t know, the reality is he’s not available for tomorrow.
