Coach Mikel Arteta wants his players to focus on the Premier League title race in the final three rounds, instead of being distracted by contract negotiations.
Last week, British media reported that the Emirates Stadium owner was close to extending the contracts of key players Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba. Reiss Nelson's contract will expire in the summer of 2023 and Leverkusen is said to want to recruit Granit Xhaka, other notable news. On the other hand, Arsenal is targeting Declan Rice but West Ham is asking for more than 120 million USD for the English midfielder. Rice's contract runs until the summer of 2024 with an activation clause for another season.
Arteta refused to comment on contract negotiations with key players or the possibility of paying a record transfer fee for Rice. The Spanish coach stressed that Arsenal's priority now is to beat Brighton in the 35th round of the Premier League and continue the title race near the end.
Arteta at Colney training ground with Arsenal on May 13. Photo: arsenal.com
Arsenal are currently second with 81 points after 35 matches, while Man City have 82 points after 34 matches. In the last three rounds, the "Gunners" will host Brighton today, visit Nottingham Forest on May 20 and host Wolves on May 28. Meanwhile, Man City will face Everton, Chelsea, Brighton and Brentford.
"We have informed the players of our intention and are trying to get the extension done as quickly as possible, but it is important not to lose focus on the league," Arteta stressed. "The main focus now is the Brighton game and the games after that. We want to be completely focused on winning the title, and everything else is a distraction."
After a run of four games without a win - draws with Liverpool, West Ham, Southampton, and defeat to Man City - Arsenal bounced back with back-to-back wins over Chelsea and Newcastle. Arteta admitted Arsenal were no longer in control, but the recent wins have given them hope in the title race.
Arteta sees the 2-0 win at St. James' Park on 7 May as a special result, as Newcastle are in good form, third in the table and always very strong at home. Newcastle put in a lot of pressure that day, hitting the woodwork twice early in each half. But the visitors held firm and scored twice through Martin Odegaard and an own goal from Fabian Schar.
Arteta also heaped praise on Brighton, who are seventh and aiming to qualify for Europe for the first time. The two sides have met twice this season. Arsenal lost 3-1 at the Emirates in the third round of the League Cup in November 2022 and won 4-2 at the Amex in the Premier League on New Year's Eve.
Arteta praised Brighton as a complete club, with a clear idea of playing, good organisation, improved physical condition, vision and proper transfer work. According to the Spanish coach, Brighton's success this season is further proof that the Premier League is the most competitive league in the world, and that mid-table clubs can play an attractive style if they have the right transfer work to beat the Big 6 clubs.
Arteta revealed that William Saliba has not recovered from a back injury and will miss out again today. He hopes the Frenchman will be back by the end of the season, but stressed he will not take any chances with his player's injury. Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko is doubtful after picking up a calf injury in the win over Newcastle.
Hong Duy
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