Press conference: Mikel Arteta on Manchester United, Odegaard, Aubameyang and more

Arsenal are preparing to host Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday, January 30. Ahead of the game, the Gunners welcomed Martin Odegaard who joined them on loan from Real Madrid. Speaking in a press conference, ahead of the United clash, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta shared some words on Odegaard as well as facing the Red Devils and more. Arteta also spoke out on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who missed Arsenal's last two games. Aubameyang was missing from the Gunners squad as his mother has had health problems in the last few days. On whether Aubameyang will be available on Saturday "I don’t know. I spoke with him yesterday. Things are looking better at the moment but we’re gonna have to wait and see." On the fitness of Mari, Ceballos and Tierney "Well, I don’t know. We had a day off yesterday. We will be training today and we will see how everybody is. I think Dani Ceballos will be training with the squad in the next few days, Pablo Mari probably as well. Obviously, Martin Odegaard will be joining us as well. For the rest we have to see how Kieran is. And I think that’s it." On the fitness of Partey and Smith Rowe "I don’t know let’s see how they come today. They have some discomfort in different parts Thomas and Emile. We will have to see how they evolve. We still have some days until the game, but not long so let’s see how they recover." On whether Odegaard will start against Manchester United "It's a little bit early to decide. Let's see how he goes in training and we will see, don't worry." On Manchester United "We know that it’s going to be really difficult. They’ve been in top form. They’ve been top of the table playing really well. We know they are a real threat. So we have to be at our best to beat them on Saturday." On whether Nelson could leave on loan "That's a conversation that we are having with the players that are not having a lot of time. Obviously we want to keep their development going & we will make decision in the next three days with some of them on what the best thing is." On Mustafi's contract "Again, it’s another situation at the moment that is open. We are having conversations internally, with player and agent. We will see what is the right solution for this moment." On whether Mustafi could leave "We are monitoring the situation. I cannot say much more than that. There are conversations going and we will see what is the best one at the end of the transfer window." On expectations for Odegaard "We believe that he’s got some special qualities that we need that we have been missing. Now we have to give him a little bit of time. He hasn’t played that many minutes in Madrid, but he’s been training hard. He looks so excited, as we are, to have another big talent in our club." On his phone call with Odegaard "I just wanted to give him a clear picture of us as a club, what we are trying to do, what we expect from him. Just try to transmit the passion and excitement we had to try to bring him in, show him the project, how he can fit in that project and just try to persuade him that this is the right place for him in this new chapter in his career, and try to make things work." On whether we'll see any more transfer dealings in the final few days "When there are still days left in the market there is still the possibility for things to happen. We are in close contact with all the things that can happen and we will see." source - football.london

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