Mikel Arteta: Arsenal boss says players should leave in January transfer window | Football news

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says players must leave the club in the January transfer window before new signings arrive.

Arsenal sold goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan in September before sending Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira on loan.

However, several players remain at Emirates who do not appear to be part of Arteta’s plans, including Mesut Ozil, Shkodran Mustafi and Sead Kolasinac, and the Spaniard stressed the importance of passing anyone who exceeds the requirements.

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“We have a big team and we knew it. A lot of things that should have happened in the summer, we couldn’t achieve for different reasons,” Arteta said ahead of his team’s trip to West Brom in the Premier League on Saturday.

“There are some players who will go on loan or will leave and that is the priority for now.

“We cannot maintain the numbers that we have in certain positions and we are looking to do that, and then we will see if we have the right opportunity in positions where we need more help.

Arteta: Courageous Saka a great example

Arteta has praised Bukayo Saka for the “commitment” and “courage” he has shown during a difficult period for Arsenal.

Saka produced his second man-of-the-match display in four days as Arsenal followed their 3-1 win over Chelsea on Boxing Day with a close win against Brighton on Tuesday.

The academy product, which scored Arsenal’s third goal against Chelsea to help end a seven-match Premier League winless streak, provided the assist to the winner of Alexandre Lacazette at Amex Stadium and caused problems for Brighton in all the time, further underscoring his status as one of the best young players in the country.

Since the start of last season, Saka has recorded 15 assists in all competitions for Arsenal, more than any other player at the club, and Arteta has been impressed with the 19-year-old’s influence.

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“For me, the most important thing he’s done in recent months is the personality he plays with and the responsibility he takes on,” Arteta said.

“Also the decisions he is willing to make when things are not going well and the impact he has had on the team to obtain results. That is in his nature and he wants to evolve that.”

“You can see that his teammates trust him, they still want to give him that responsibility and that is great. He is a great example for any young player to play with that commitment, that passion but also, with that courage that you need when playing for a great team. “.

Saka was substituted late against Brighton after appearing to injure his ankle, but Arteta is confident that he will be fit when his team travels to The Hawthorns.

“I hope he is available. We will see him with training today. He has also played many minutes. I am sure he will be fine for the game,” Arteta added.

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‘The pressure has risen a bit’

Arsenal recorded back-to-back league wins for the first time since September by beating Brighton to lift spirits at the club for the new year.

The defeat at Everton on December 19 left the Gunners just four points above the relegation zone after 14 games, their worst start to the season since 1974/75, but fortunes turned with the win over Chelsea at the end. last week.

“We needed those results, that’s for sure, but we need a much longer race,” Arteta said.

“There are things that we have done much better to obtain the results in the last two games, but there are many things that we have to do better and improve.

“In terms of confidence, obviously it’s a completely different scenario when you win football matches and everyone plays with more freedom and more confidence. The pressure is released a bit and that’s always a good thing.”