Mikel Arteta tells Bukayo Saka to take holiday after huge Arsenal injury blow - Gunners star not expected back until at least March due to hamstring problem

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Aston Villa (kick-off 17:30). Here are the key lines from his news conference:

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta makes Premier League title race prediction: ‘It is going to be a long, long run’ - The Arsenal manager also provided an update on the club’s transfer dealings after a number

Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal have transfer 'necessity' after Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus injuries - Gunners have four fit forwards with two weeks to go until January window shuts

Mikel Arteta has said Arsenal "passed a test of attitude" after overcoming a difficult week to beat north London rivals Tottenham 2-1 at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Liverpool and Arsenal currently occupy the top two places in the Premier League standings but Mikel Arteta is expecting more clubs to be involved in the title race

Mikel Arteta has said that the club have "very clear ideas" on who they want to sign during the January transfer window as they struggle with an influx of injuries.

Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal must be ‘prepared’ amid speculation the club have agreed a deal for Martin Zubimendi amid concerns two senior players will leave in the summer. With the contracts of Thomas Partey and Jorginho set to expire and depart on free transfers,

Have we already witnessed the peak years of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal reign? It feels like this Emirates era is heading towards a crossroads, with Arsenal in the middle of a high-stakes game. This will either be one of the greatest seasons in the club’s history - ending a 21-year wait for the Premier League title - or a campaign which ends amid a highly-charged post-season review as to how they squandered their best chance to become champions in two decades.