Press conference

Arteta: Transfers, Smith Rowe, Nketiah, John-Jules

Are there any potential incomings or possible outgoings this month?

Mikel Arteta was asked a number of questions about our January plans by the media at London Colney on Thursday. Here's what he had to say:

on whether there will be any significant investment this month...

I don't know, I'm not expecting big things. I'm expecting big things from the players I have at the moment, the players that are recovering from injuries. That's the biggest expectations from my side, they're there. If we can find something to help us go through the season in a more balanced way in certain areas, and is helpful, we'll look at the options.

on whether we're actively looking to strengthen...

Yeah, we always have to be looking because obviously we have some bad injuries for players who are going to be out for a long time. We have to see if we can find options there.

on a potential loan departure for Emile Smith Rowe...

We are assessing the situation with three of them [young players]. We are evaluating all the offers that they have from different clubs, where would suit them more and if it's the right time for them to make that step. In the next few days, we will tell you exactly what will happen.

on whether the other two youngsters are Tyreece John-Jules and Eddie Nketiah...

Yeah. And with Eddie it's the same situation. I sat down with him and was very impressed with him. I think it was a great challenge for him to work in that environment in Leeds. I think he's become a much better player, a much more competitive player. Then the decision to make now is whether it's better to send him out for another five months to realise his potential and have him ready for next season, or keep him here. It's something we have to discuss in the next few days.

on if he thinks we have to sell to buy in this window...

We're not thinking to sell. There's nothing concrete at the moment on the table, as I said, I'm focusing on the players we have now and this transfer window is a little bit tricky and things might come at the end. But I don't know which way.