Arteta confirms contract talks and says to 'be prepared' for transfer window

Mikel Arteta was in a relaxed mood ahead of Arsenal's trip to Aston Villa on Saturday.

Villa beat Arsenal in both of their games last season and those results were a key factor in why Arsenal did not win the Premier League title.

Arteta was complimentary of Villa boss Unai Emery but it was Arteta's own future which was up for discussion.

His contract expires at the end of the season but he confirmed that talks about a new deal will start once the window is closed.

Arteta said he believes that the club has an "unbelievable" future ahead of them.

The transfer window closes next week and Arsenal have been active in it, bringing in Riccardo Calafiori and selling Emile Smith Rowe.

Eddie Nketiah is in talks with Nottingham Forest about moving there, while the club have also agreed a deal in principle with Real Sociedad for midfielder Mikel Merino and Arteta says the club are prepared for a busy end to the window.

"We have to because anything can happen both ways," said the Arsenal boss. "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."