Mikel Arteta has announced that discussions regarding a new contract at Arsenal will commence after the transfer window closes.
Arteta’s current contract with the club expires next summer.
However, the 42-year-old manager assured in July that there would be no problems in reaching an agreement on new terms.
While no official announcement has been made yet, the Spanish coach has reassured supporters ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Aston Villa on Saturday.
“The focus has been on the transfer window,” Arteta said.
“We had quite a lot of things to do and discuss. We are on it and we will take care of that in the right moment.
When asked if talks would occur after the transfer window shuts, Arteta replied: “Yeah.
“I am very grateful first of all for where I’m sitting and the people I work with every single day because it’s really difficult to find that harmony, trust, belief and alignment in the vision.
“It’s something I always mention because I believe we still have an unbelievable time ahead of us.
“It’s very exciting and I am very excited about it.”
However, Arteta declined to comment on Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, despite overnight reports suggesting an agreement had been reached to secure his services.
He said: “No, I cannot talk about any player that’s not with us.
“There’s still time in the market. Both ways.
“For all the managers, for all the teams here.
“You can see it’s getting very busy.
“I don’t know [if] soon.
“The full focus is on the players that we have at the moment, the big match we have at Aston Villa and that’s all.”
Mikel Arteta is preparing for potential “surprises” in the final week of the transfer window.
Despite interest from Nottingham Forest in signing Eddie Nketiah, Arteta confirmed that the forward will be involved in the upcoming match against Aston Villa.
“I expect Eddie to train with us today,” Arteta added.
“To be prepared for tomorrow. That’s it.
“Whatever happens will happen if it’s good for everybody.
“You have to be ready and especially in the last week.
“You have to be alert and prepared because a lot of surprises can come, for many different reasons and we are prepared.”
One unexpected transfer possibility is Raheem Sterling, who has been deemed surplus to requirements by Chelsea following two years at Stamford Bridge.
Sterling previously worked with Arteta at Manchester City, but the current Arsenal boss has made it clear that he has not reached out to the England international.
When asked if he had considered contacting Sterling, Arteta responded: “No, but I can talk about my time with Raheem.
“It was exceptional.
“We built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at the time we were together and he taught me a lot as well.
“About individuals, how they play and how we give them support and help them.
“He’s someone I have a really strong feeling about.”
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