02/01/2026
Arteta on Bournemouth and the importance of playing with 11 men: “We know how important it is to maintain your 11 players on the pitch as much as possible. We failed to do that last year.
“We lost both games against them [Bournemouth] and we know the difficulty of that. We know how how good of a team they are, how they can thread you from every angle. So we know the difficulty of the game tomorrow.”
Arteta on the mood at Arsenal: “Well, it was very good, obviously, after the game against a really tough opposition (Aston Villa), again to perform and to win in the manner that we did. Great. Focus on Bournemouth. We know how tough it's going to be tomorrow's game and everybody's at it.”
Arteta On Maresca: "Wish him all the best, I really like Enzo. I think he's done a really good job at Chelsea, just wish him all the best."
Arteta on the transfer window: "We are open to every option. We can find a solution that is short, medium and long - it's always much better, it gives you stability and you don't start a new process with the players. Let's see what happens, what the news is in the next few weeks and we will make the right decision."
Arteta on Trossard: “I think he's been very consistent and very stable. But all of the front players, I would say, because they all contributed through the season so far. In a great way, whether it's a starting or whether as an impact player as well, so that's what we need where we put in there they will bring different qualities to the team. But I think they're in a great moment.”
Do you want to extend Trossard's contract? Arteta: "We are very happy with him. He knows we have talked about it many times, he's happy here"
Is there any regret that Rice completed the game against Brighton after he suffered a kick?
Arteta: "No, no, no. He managed to do it. That's normal sometimes. You get a hit, and throughout the game you are able with adrenaline, and because you are warm, you are able to sustain that. And then the body reacts, and it reacted probably more than we expected, unfortunately. And that's where we are."
Will you consider a Nwaneri departure on loan?
Arteta: "Every player is very important and has a role. That role can change throughout the season for different reasons. Everybody has to be ready for play, that's it."
Mikel Arteta on the selection headache of three strikers: “It helps the team. I think that’s what we want, to have options. So far, we haven’t had that, so we’re looking forward to having everybody on it, performing & being able to change profiles during the game as well.” 👏