Arteta wants Arsenal to focus on the title race.

Manager 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, the British media reported that the Emirates Stadium club was close to renewing contracts with key players Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba. Reiss Nelson's contract expires in summer 2023, and Leverkusen are reportedly interested in signing Granit Xhaka – other notable news. Conversely, Arsenal are targeting Declan Rice, but West Ham are demanding over $120 million for the English midfielder. Rice's contract runs until summer 2024 with an option to extend for another season.

Arteta declined to comment on contract extension negotiations with key players or the possibility of a record transfer fee for Rice. The Spanish coach emphasized that Arsenal's priority now is to beat Brighton in the 35th round of the Premier League and continue their title race as the season nears its end.

Arteta at the Colney training ground with Arsenal on May 13th. Photo: arsenal.com — Arteta at the Colney training ground with Arsenal on May 13th. Photo: *arsenal.com*

Arsenal currently sit second with 81 points from 35 matches, while Man City have 82 points from 34 matches. In their final three matches, the Gunners will host Brighton today, travel to Nottingham Forest on May 20th, and host Wolves on May 28th. Meanwhile, Man City will face Everton, Chelsea, Brighton, and Brentford respectively.

"We've informed the players of our intentions and are trying to finalize the contract extensions as quickly as possible, but it's important not to lose focus on the league objective," Arteta emphasized. "The main topic right now has to be 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 winless matches – draws against Liverpool, West Ham, and Southampton, and a loss to Man City – Arsenal bounced back with two consecutive wins against Chelsea and Newcastle. Arteta admitted Arsenal no longer have control over their own destiny, but these recent victories offer renewed hope in the title race.

Arteta considered the 2-0 victory at St. James' Park on May 7th particularly special, as Newcastle were in excellent form, sitting third in the table and always strong at home. On that day, Newcastle exerted significant pressure and hit the post twice at the start of each half. But the visitors held firm and scored two goals thanks to Martin Odegaard and an own goal by Fabian Schar.

Arteta also had high praise for Brighton – the club currently sitting seventh and aiming for their first-ever European Cup qualification. The two teams have met twice this season. In November 2022, Arsenal lost 1-3 at the Emirates in the third round of the League Cup, then won 4-2 at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League on New Year's Eve.

Arteta praised Brighton as a well-rounded club with a clear playing philosophy, good organization, improved fitness, vision, and appropriate transfer dealings. 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 attractive football if they make the right transfers to beat the Big 6.

Arteta revealed that William Saliba has not yet recovered from his back injury and will remain absent today. He hopes the French defender will be fit for the end of the season, but stressed he will not risk further injury to his player. Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko's participation is uncertain due to a calf injury sustained in the win against Newcastle.

Hong Duy

Source link