Transfer rumours come thick and fast in the January transfer window - and this year's has been no exception.
We have been linked with a whole host of players in recent days, and Mikel Arteta discussed them all in his press conference on Wednesday.
This is what he told the media:
on the latest transfer news…
I have bad news for you guys, I have nothing to say yet!
on being linked with John Stones…
No, no truth at all.
on links with AC Milan’s Franck Kessie…
No truth at all at the moment.
on whether we are short defensively…
We have a lot of issues at the back, the fact that Calum got the big injury is modifying our plans. It is what we have, the situation, it can happen between December and January, it is very common. We have to live with it, this is what we have. We have to put 11 players out on the pitch on Saturday and I am sure we will. They will try their best, and I will try to select the ones who in my opinion are the best fit for that game.
on having a chance to improve things in the January market…
Yes, but it has to be the right player, in the right context that financially we can compete and we can attract and all these factors, if you put them together, are not easy in this market.
on if he has a wishlist…
I have, yes. You need to have one always, just in case!
on whether John Stones is the type of player that he’d like at Arsenal…
John is a player that I really like and I followed. We signed him when I was at Manchester City and I worked with him for many years and know him well. When I look at centre backs he has many attributes that I like from one, but we’re not interested.
on whether he’d be happy if Arsenal don’t sign anyone…
I’m happy we have the squad that I believe we can compete for what we want. I’m fine. I want to keep the players and get the maximum from the players that I want, but if this scenario changes and we need somebody, I’m expecting that we will go into the market and try to solve the issue.
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