Arteta: I won't discuss Julián Álvarez; I've never asked players to publicly declare their desire to join

In the second round of the Premier League, Arsenal will play away against Aston Villa. Before the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta attended a press conference to answer media questions. Below is the first half of the press conference.

Before Monday's match, I think there will be three more training sessions. So it's difficult to say too much about the squad, but I understand that Nwaneri is currently at the training ground because he's been training for five or six days. Can he play in Monday's match?

Yes, he can play. He's been training very hard and will be available for selection on Monday.

So if he makes his Arsenal debut, we might see him facing his former club Aston Villa. Tell us about this deal. It seems like a very smooth and straightforward transaction.

Well, I'm not involved in the specific transfer deal. Our job is to scout players and find talent we believe can improve the team. But yes, ultimately the club recruits a player because everyone is happy with the outcome.

I mean, there shouldn't be any obstacles in the transfer process, and there's no reason why this player shouldn't be treated well by Villa fans.

I hope so. I don't know, but I'm sure Ezri will feel the same way given everything he's done for the club, but clearly, that's not up to us.

Also, Bukayo Saka hasn't been seen at the training ground. Does this mean his injury is slightly more serious than you initially thought?

No, no. We're just managing his workload over the last few days. He's done some training sessions on the pitch, but we need to control his workload so he's in the best physical condition for me to select him on Monday.

Is there a chance he will play on Monday?

Yes, there's every chance he will play.

I didn't see Gabriel Jesus at the training ground today. Is that correct?

Yes.

Is this related to his future?

It's related to the number of players we currently have in the squad, and we're managing those players individually according to their personal circumstances.

When you say personal circumstances, do you mean he might be leaving the club?

Personal circumstances are personal circumstances, whatever they may be, and I think that's pretty clear.

Also, the other Gabi, Martinelli, was training then, but our detective here with glasses noticed him leaving much earlier than the other players. He started training around 11 a.m. but left in a hurry at 12:20. Do you know where he went?

Haha, that's another personal situation we're handling. I think everyone knows and recognizes how much we love Martinelli. Yes, whatever the outcome, it will be based on consensus from everyone.

You spoke last week about how difficult some conversations are with players you love and have worked with. Are both of these players people you've also spoken to?

Yes, of course. These conversations have happened, and they're two-way. But I'm very happy with how these conversations have gone, because I know what each of us is thinking, and the words that come out of these conversations make me truly happy. But at some point, you have to have specific discussions and say things that sometimes sound tough.

Have you also spoken to Álvarez?

I won't discuss that.

He's clearly a player you know well. Andrea Berta also recruited him at Atlético Madrid. Will this become part of the entire transfer rumor?

Yes, but I won't comment on any player who isn't part of our team.

But generally, on a different note, one last question about transfers. There's only one press conference left before the transfer deadline. Generally, when you recruit a player, we know you need that player to be fully committed. Both publicly and privately, they must really want to join Arsenal. Will that always be the case?

I've never asked them to state it publicly. I think it's more important to know their true feelings privately, to ensure they feel a unique sense of belonging, connection, and desire to join us, to ensure they truly want to be part of our family.

One last question about transfers—I won't ask you something that will surprise you. Ethan Nwaneri, his future should be clear. Is there any update on next steps?

No, there's no new news on that.

Hello Mikel, nice to meet you. I want to follow up on Álvarez, given some reports in Spanish media. Are you familiar with the "El Chiringuito" show on La Sexta?

I know the show, but I don't watch it, no.

Well, one of their leading journalists, Josep Pedrerol, said you called him and he didn't answer. Is there any truth to that?

You know I won't comment on public statements, because if I had to respond to that every day, I'd probably be doing a different job.

Regarding team injuries before this match, is there any update on Timber or Saliba?

Timber is recovering very well. Let's see how he is at the end of this week. This is the third consecutive week he's been training outdoors, and we've been increasing his training load. So he's on the right track for recovery. If everything goes well, I think we can continue to increase the intensity of his training next week. Saliba is currently undergoing a more conservative load management phase, so that will take time.

You're in an enviable position, seemingly having two players for every position on the pitch. Can you tell us about your decision-making process when making substitutions in the first match against Coventry, since we didn't see Gyökeres play at all?

Well, for different reasons. Some are physical reasons—some players haven't been able to play 90 minutes yet, and we don't want to overload them. Other reasons are tactical considerations, or my gut instinct during the match, that's all.

Finally, on Monday you'll face Unai Emery, who has had a difficult start to the season. Given the number of players who have left Villa and the considerable uncertainty, how much do you sympathize with his situation? I know many managers are hoping the transfer window closes soon.

Well, he's undoubtedly one of the most experienced and successful managers in the Premier League. Look at what they did last season, their final position, the outstanding season they had. So this is just a regular match, nothing more. I'm sure he'll be able to turn things around.

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