Arsenal latest: Mikel Arteta reveals players’ private talks amid double transfer swoop

All of the latest news from the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal bid to end their long wait for a Premier League trophy

It’s been six years since Mikel Arteta made the bold move to take the reins at Arsenal despite having no prior experience as a head coach.

The former midfielder and captain has undoubtedly revolutionised the club, transforming it from a team in decline both on and off the pitch to title contenders.

Yet, for all he has done to elevate the Gunners to their current standing as one of England and Europe’s elite clubs, doubts persist about both his and his squad’s ability to get over the line, having finished runners up in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons.

Arteta is eager to silence the doubters this season as the festive period ramps up with games coming thick and fast, as well as a potentially useful January transfer window on the horizon.

Football.london now examines the manager’s recent comments regarding his future at Arsenal, as well as potential recruits he could bring in.

Arteta speaks on future

Arteta admits he currently can’t offer his players any assurances about his future. With 18 months remaining on his contract, supporters are understandably anxious about their manager’s future until he signs a new deal.

It appears some of his players may also harbour similar concerns as they enter contract negotiations with the club, with Bukayo Saka being one of the stars whose contract is due to expire in the summer of 2027.

When quizzed about his future beyond the current contract, the Spanish manager replied: “Yes, but it is about today and a lot of things have to happen in the next few months, as well, to earn the right.

“I think the manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. That is how you react, how you talk here, how you go in the dressing room, the message that you send, how much the players follow you.”

He added: “They [Arsenal stars] do ask me but I can not lie to them. I don’t know, it is something that does not depend on me.

“Are you really happy here? Do you feel that you have the energy and you feel you can take this club? Yes. One hundred per cent, yes. But I think it does not depend only on me.”

Double transfer swoop

Elsewhere, reports claim Arsenal are eyeing a double transfer swoop. Despite their significant summer spending, CaughtOffside reports that concerns over injuries and squad depth have led sporting director Andrea Berta to explore options in the transfer market.

The two positions reportedly under consideration are central defence and central midfield. Rennes’ 20-year-old starlet Jeremy Jacquet is rumoured to be a potential January acquisition, while Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is expected to leave as a free agent in the summer.

Other defenders on their radar include Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown. In midfield, Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi is turning heads with his impressive performances, prompting both Arsenal and Manchester United to keep tabs on the 18-year-old prodigy.