Mikel Arteta faced the media ahead of his Arsenal side's trip to Liverpool where they are due to play the champions and provide a guard of honour. The mood is of course low following the Gunners' defeat to PSG in the Champions League semi-final this week.
If there was a worst possible next opponent, it would arguably be Liverpool at Anfield. While it means little competitively at least for the Reds, it is still important for Arsenal to try and finish second.
But after the game with PSG, there has been such a focus now on next season despite the games that remain. Arteta was keen to keep the focus on the season at hand when asked about whether talks had happened he quickly stepped in.
"It's about decisions, we're not finished and we have three games to play," he said. Despite this, the questions kept on coming about the summer.
Asked about whether there is indeed a need to land a centre-forward and if he is aware of the desire fans have to see a player come in. A quick short response that: "The statement is the same."
A reference to what he said in January – a clear indication that yes, a striker is on the agenda and is wanted it seems. Arteta did break somewhat to admit there is excitement ahead of the summer when asked but was quick to again bring focus back to who is already at the club.
"Very much yeah," Arteta replied when asked if he is excited for the months ahead. "Already with the players that we have and with all the players fit and available we have a very strong squad."
Arsenal take on Liverpool at 4:30pm BST on Sunday afternoon. Build-up and coverage will start four hours before kick-off on football.london's matchday blog.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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