Arsenal vs Brighton: Arteta pre-press conference what Mikel Arteta revealed about Brighton, Saka and Ramsdale contracts, transfers

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be facing the media ahead of the Premier League clash against Brighton and we have got all the updates from London Colney

Hello and welcome along to live coverage of the Arsenal press conference ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League fixture against Brighton.

Mikel Arteta is set to face the media this afternoon, previewing Sunday’s big game at the Emirates Stadium, with the Seagulls looking to get their form back on track after a humbling 5-1 defeat at home to relegation-threatened Everton.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have their momentum back after a 2-0 win at Newcastle. However, talk turns to contracts with Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka both close on agreeing new deals with the club.
William Saliba remains in talks too and Arteta is sure to face questions on the topics. Although the Frenchman remains sidelined through injury, with his season now appearing to be over.

Arsenal have just three games remaining, with Arteta knowing any slip-up against this weekend’s opponents Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Wolves will likely end any remaining hopes in the title race. The visitors, meanwhile, are chasing the first European qualification in their history.
You can hear what Arteta has to say on all these issues with football.london’s Arsenal writers Kaya Kaynak and Tom Canton in the live blog below.

Arteta on the contract situations of certain players

Obviously where we are with each individual is probably different. The clarity is there, we have communicated what the intentions are.

Arteta on the Carabao Cup game with Brighton earlier this year

They were different games in certain moments but with different outcomes. The way they play this.

Arteta on if he’s spoken to squad players about needing to be ready

We discussed that six months ago. To win a championship you’ll need all your players. You’ll need to be able to deal with injuries, bad decisions and personal problems. The squad has to be able to absorb those problems.

Arteta on Xhaka

As you can understand I’m not gonna be replaying to certain stories with Granit.

Arteta on if Arsenal have gained in confidence

By playing well. Being on top of the game and individually raising the level. Once you’ve done that that obviously has a huge impact.

Arteta on Odegaard’s leadership

In his own way. He has this character which everybody respects and admires. He has a unique one because it’s his own one. We’re really happy that he represents the club in the way that he does.

Arteta on Odegaard

Great. That’s the demands that he puts on himself. It’s an area where he ahd huge margins to improve. He’s making great steps to become a game winner. Then you need really good teammates around you which he has.

Arteta on Brighton

For sure because they are a really complicated side. The way they are playing and what Roberto and the coaching staff has done is remarkable.

Arteta on if Newcastle was his best moment

The feeling of the last game is the most recent one. It was special because they are top side. We managed to go there, play our own way and win. After what happened last year the meaning was a bit more.

Arteta on Ramsdale

The moment there is something to announce we’ll do that. It’s not the moment to talk about that.

Arteta on Kiwior

He’s been really impressive. Really composed really calm. Two different opponents and he’s dealt with the situation in a good way.

Arteta on if Arsenal could break their transfer record

I think the conversation has to be Brighton and the games that we have. We want to be fully focused on that.

Arteta on if it’s confirmed that Zinchenko is out for the season

No

Arteta on team news

We have another session tomorrow before the Brighton game. We’re trying to get players back before that day. With William it’s for sure he’s not gonna be fit for this game and we’re doubting him for next game.

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Brighton injury blow

The upcoming clash with the Seagulls won’t be easy though, having proven themselves more than worthy to be pushing for a European place under Roberto De Zerbi. Their recent shock 5-1 loss to Everton will likely provoke a reaction too, with Arsenal needing to be at their best to earn a win.

While Brighton will be a threat, they may be without one of their key men for the clash as Solly March pulled up in the match against the Toffees earlier in the week. That was despite being rested for the tie and coming from the bench to feature and with such a quick turnaround, it appears unlikely he will beat the race to fitness for the Arsenal tie.

It remains to be seen how De Zerbi will be forced to adapt as a result, with a number of injuries already throwing his system into different directions over the past few weeks. For Arteta though, it could be the boost he and his side need going into the huge clash.