Arsenal

Craig Nelson
BBC Sport Journalist

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League north London derby at Tottenham (kick-off 14:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Captain Martin Odegaard will have more tests on his injured ankle but has not been ruled out - as yet - for Sunday's game: "Let's see what happens in the next day or so with the extent of the injury and how quickly we can get him back. With 48 hours until the game, players could always become available."

• Gabriel Jesus is "back in training", but Arsenal face a wait to see if defender Riccardo Calafiori will be available after picking up an injury on international duty with Italy.

• Summer signing Mikel Merino is "progressing well" in his recovery from a fractured shoulder, but on a potential date for his return, the Arsenal manager said: "We don't know. It is very difficult to understand the healing of the bone."

• Raheem Sterling will "make the club better" and has a "point to prove" after arriving on loan from Chelsea: "He has a big smile on his face, a lot of energy. He's at it. When someone has got that in his belly you sense it straight away."

• Arteta explained his motivation for signing a contract extension until 2027: "We are going in the right direction, we have made some huge steps and we have a lot still to make. Due to the hunger - from the ownership to the board and all the players and staff here - that is the aim and objective [to win the Premier League]."

• On his favourite aspect of the north London derby: "Probably after the game [if we win]. Witnessing the emotion and what it means for them [the supporters], it is a privilege to have the power to contribute to making someone really happy and make a special day for them."

• Finally, Arteta spoke of his admiration for Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou: "I admire him and I respect him. I think he has been an inspirational coach in my career. He has a unique way of thinking about the game and his philosophy and I love it."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news.

Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott speaking to The Football News Show about the Gunners' trip to Tottenham on Sunday, where they could be without Martin Odegaard and will miss the suspended Declan Rice: "At the start of the season these are the important games. Not to get them out of the way but to put a stamp on your authority and say, 'yes, we're out here to win the league'.

"And I just think that it's an opportunity for Mikel Arteta and his team to say that we've learned from the past mistakes of last season."

Watch The Football News Show here

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

The rivalry between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal resumes on Sunday with the first north London derby of the season.

However, the Gunners go into the game depleted in a key area, with Declan Rice suspended and captain Martin Odegaard set to be missing for three weeks after injuring his ankle on international duty.

The loss of Odegaard would mean the loss of their most creative spark, with no Arsenal player having created more chances than the Norwegian since the start of last season.

Arsenal were deadly from set-piece situations last season, scoring 22 times from them - more than any other team.

That is twice the amount Tottenham managed, with Spurs conceding 16 times from dead balls last term including two in the 3-2 defeat against Arsenal. Only Sheffield United, Luton Town and Nottingham Forest conceded more.

The Gunners have seen a big improvement in this area since set-piece specialist Nicolas Jover joined in 2021.

In the 111 matches before Jover's arrival, Arsenal scored a goal every 32 corners. In the 111 fixtures since his arrival, they have found the net every 16 corners - a significant improvement.

We are only three games into this season, so a minimal amount can be read into any team's set-piece strength this campaign. Arsenal are yet to score from one but Tottenham have.

However, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has previously indicated that set-pieces - both defending them and scoring from them - is not something he is overly concerned about.

"I'm not interested," he said in May, external. "Never have been. Not in the least.

"It's not the first time I've been questioned about set-pieces in my coaching career. There is an underlying reason for that, which I'm very, very comfortable with."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Everton captain Phil Jagielka expects Arsenal to win Sunday's North London derby and says things "are moving forward" at the club after boss Mikel Arteta signed a new deal.

"It's not unexpected, it's something they're building towards," he told BBC Radio 5 Live breakfast.

"Mikel is obviously a massive cog in that machine and I'm sure it didn't take very long. It was probably just a couple of conversations and he signed his contract.

"I'm sure he's looking to build, he wants to win things there, and at the moment they're backing him pretty well and things are moving forward."

The Gunners will be without captain Martin Odegaard and key midfielder Declan Rice for the visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but Jagielka believes they will still have enough to secure victory.

"It's away, it'll be tough match, but with the way Arsenal have started I can't see them not winning the game," he added.

"Tottenham have been a little bit hit and miss so far but but as with all derby games they will be going to upset Arsenal.

"It'll be a tough game but I see Arsenal coming out on top. They have lost two influential players in Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice but they've bought Sterling in, Kai Havertz, people who can play in and around those position.

"It'll be a test for Mikel, he's not had to change his lineup too many times."

Listen to the full chat from 2:19:00 on BBC Sounds

Manchester United and Arsenal have been put off signing France midfielder Adrien Rabiot, 29, who is a free agent, because of his wage demands of £220,000 a week. (GiveMeSport, external)

Arsenal and Chelsea will keep Sporting Lisbon's Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, 26, on their shortlist for next summer's transfer window. (Football Insider, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

If I was to be a footballer at any club, at the moment, then I would probably choose be at Arsenal or Liverpool.

Coming into the season I liked what Arsenal were. They have a great young side who are desperate to win something and they are progressing and getting better. Mikel Arteta doesn’t have any pressure on him because he knows what he stands for.

They are back in the Champions League and the crowd are on their side as they are happy with what they are seeing. They are, of course, disappointed that they have not won anything but they are still proud of their team.

The club’s connection with the fans is now very different. If you go back 10 years then you have the rise of Arsenal Fan TV and that was all about the discontent in the way the football club was going. Now it is the opposite and they are very much united.

It is early days for Liverpool under Arne Slot but they feel fine after losing one of the most significant managers in their history. Some people wouldn't have thought that would be possible but by being himself he has got everyone excited.

There is still more of a transition to come but there seems to be a real happiness and harmony within the players and manager. It feels like they will be playing for major honours come the end of the season.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

Image source, Getty Images

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson is not confident that the Gunners will take all three points from the north London derby on Sunday and has told 5 Live Breakfast: "It will be tough. I mean, this game is a big game - four games in or even if it is a pre-season friendly - it is a huge football match in north London. I was very bullish last year with Arsenal about winning. I'm not sure this Sunday, I think Tottenham have got every chance this Sunday.

"I'm really worried, if I'm being honest. So I've got to concentrate on dancing [for Strictly Come Dancing], for a week of dancing practice, and in the back of my mind I'm thinking Tottenham might get a result. That will not be good."

Going on to speak about Arsenal's upcoming fixture list, Merson said: "I don't think it's been kind, to have your first three away games at Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City. It's harsh. You don't want to give Man City a head start. These are two big games coming up.

"A couple of weeks ago against Brighton, 1-1 was a disappointing result in the end. It hasn't been the worst start but these are big matches now, the next two. Arsenal need at least four points, otherwise they're going to be playing catch-up against probably the best team to ever play the game."

Image source, Getty Images

I am not sure what I expect Mikel Arteta to do about the centre of the pitch for the north London derby, but missing his two key midfielders is huge.

There is scope to drop Kai Havertz into more of an attacking midfield role but I do not think they can replace Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard with the players that they have.

Tottenham’s midfield is also dynamic, so it is a big blow for Arteta. He will have to make adjustments to his team and that will be key.

They do not have another player like Odegaard with the way he links up players. Similarly, Rice's ability to cover ground and take the ball under pressure is not like anyone else. He can stop attacks and then build the next one.

In the north London derby, every player has to be able to handle the emotion. Those players that have played in it before will need to step up. For example, Jorginho and Thomas Partey have been at the club long enough to know the value of these games.

With the game at Spurs, Arteta needs players who will not rise to the crowd with their emotions - which will be exceptional because it is such a big game. Odegaard has been a great captain for the Gunners because he leads by example. It is not always about having the war cry when you have the armband.

And Arsenal’s defence have to play well. They can not take the bait from the home supporters and Spurs will be counter-attacking so they have to manage that too.

The crowd will be up for it and will try to make the atmosphere as hostile as possible. If you get too emotional in this game then it will play more into Tottenham’s hands than Arsenal’s.

Nedum was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

Image source, Getty Images

Former Arsenal player Cesc Fabregas spoke on this week's Planet Premier League podcast about the upcoming north London derby.

With Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard both out, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri could start for the Gunners.

Speaking about how ready Nwaneri is to play in the fixture, Fabregas said: "I have no doubt, that if Mikel [Arteta] puts him in the starting 11, or even on during the game, it's because he's seen that he's good enough to make an impact.

"He's on his [Arteta's] mind and if he's part of the squad it's because he really believes that he can bring something to the table.”

You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says feeling "very inspired and challenged" was key for him in signing a new contract.

Arteta, who became the Gunners manager in 2019, said: "I feel extremely proud, very excited and am looking forward to what is coming next. I’m proud to be where I am and have the relationships that I have with everyone at the club.

"I feel extremely lucky to work every single day with good people and the ambition we have here. I feel very inspired, I feel challenged, I feel supported and I want to do much more than what we’ve already done together.

"Together with the players and everyone at the club, we are looking forward to the coming years, with our supporters, who have emotionally transformed the club and the team. Our supporters have transformed individuals and we are different now. You can tell that we are different and for me, that is down to them.

"We look forward to continuing the journey together."

Image source, Getty Images

Mikel Arteta's contract extension gives Arsenal "stability", says sporting director Edu.

Arteta was due to be out of contract at the end of the season but has penned a new agreement until 2027.

Arsenal's co-chair, Josh Kroenke, said: “We’re delighted to have extended Mikel’s contract.

“Mikel is a dynamic and passionate manager, who is relentless in the pursuit of excellence. He has a deep understanding of Arsenal’s values, and since joining us as Head Coach in December 2019, he has taken the team to another level in an Arsenal way.

“There is a great collective team spirit at the club, and with the strong relationships we hold between us and belief in what we do, we look forward with excitement and confidence, as we continue our aim – to win together.”

Sporting Director Edu added: “We are really happy that Mikel has signed a new long-term contract. It’s a very positive and proud moment for everyone at the club and an important part of what we’re all working towards.

“Mikel has shown his qualities since the very first day he joined us, not only as a football manager, but as a person with wonderful values.

“We have a strong belief in what we are doing and what we want to achieve together. Mikel’s new contract gives us stability and clear direction as we aim for new heights.”

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has agreed a new long-term contract to keep him at the club until 2027.

The Gunners boss, who replaced Unai Emery midway through the 2019-20 season, has led them to consecutive second-placed finishes in the Premier League and returned Champions League football to Emirates Stadium.

Arteta's existing deal had been due to expire in 2025.

Is this the boost you needed ahead of the north London derby, Arsenal fans?

Are you happy with the length of the deal?

Let us know, external

Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle lead the race to sign Lille's 24-year-old Canada striker Jonathan David, although Juventus are also interested. (TuttoJuve), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal are about to enter a crucial week of their season even though they are only three games into the Premier League season.

On Sunday the Gunners take on rivals Tottenham in the north London derby before starting their Champions League campaign away to Atalanta and then travelling to title rivals Manchester City the following weekend.

Those games would be daunting for any side with a fully fit squad but Arsenal head into these games with some huge questions for Mikel Arteta to answer.

New signing Mikel Merino got injured in his first training session, Declan Rice is suspended following his red card in the match against Brighton and captain Martin Odegaard is expected to be "out for three weeks" after picking up an ankle injury on international duty.

It would be harsh to say the Gunners season is on the line so early in the campaign. However, if they were to lose a game over this period, they could find themselves five points adrift.

City’s dominance over recent years has meant any side that wants to challenge them need to be near perfect. That pressure will weigh on Arsenal as they head into these matches.

Listen to full commentary of Tottenham v Arsenal from 14:00 BST on Sunday on BBC Radio 5 Live

Image source, Getty Images

The north London derby is the Premier League fixture in which both teams have scored in more often than any other (43).

Just one of Tottenham's past 49 league home games has ended in a draw, including none of the past 22.

Of all Premier League grounds, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has hosted the lowest percentage of draws (9%), while it has staged more games without a 0-0 draw than any other stadium (101).