Arsenal are preparing to welcome Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to the Emirates Stadium as they go in search of another vital three points in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal go into the game off the back of three straight victories, having secured safe passage through to the last-16 of the Champions League but know they will face a tough test when Guardiola’s side come to town.
Much of the talk ahead of the game for both clubs has been the transfer window with the deadline looming, Ollie Watkins wants to move to Arsenal but a deal is looking increasingly unlikely at this stage.
Mikel Arteta has been explaining Arsenal’s transfer strategy and has sent a message to those fans who are becoming frustrated at the club’s lack of movement so far.
READ MORE: Arsenal handed FA charge as Bukayo Saka verdict on Ollie Watkins amid transfer revealed
Mikel Arteta reveals how Arsenal’s transfer possibilities are affected
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal v Manchester City, the Arsenal boss has delivered a message to frustrated fans about the lack of transfer activity at the club.
Arteta stated: “I’m very confident with the work the club are doing and exploring every opportunity that we believe can have an impact on the team. If we can agree something we will, if not we won’t.”
The Spaniard then went on to explain how there are other factors that are affecting the club’s business regarding signing players.
Arteta explained: “We are trying everything that we can but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not, it doesn’t depend only on us, our intentions are clear but the possibilities are affected by three parties.”
Arteta insists Arsenal won’t panic in the market even if they lose to Manchester City
It seems that the Gunners will not be forced into a signing that they haven’t carefully considered and evaluated their potential impact on the team.
The Arsenal manager declared that the result against City the Emirates Stadium would have no bearing on their transfer plans. Arteta stated: “That would mean we have not planned and we are reacting to something, which is not good.”
If Arsenal cannot complete a deal for Watkins, it seems that Kai Havertz will be entrusted with the role of firing Arsenal to silverware in the remainder of the season.
The German has already equalled his goal tally from last season but will need to ensure that any chances that come his way against City are taken – something he has failed to do on a regular basis in recent weeks.
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