Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has predicted ‘a lot of surprises can come’ and stated the club will be on the alert in the final days of the summer transfer window, while ruling out a move for Raheem Sterling.
This summer, the Gunners have added two major players. Bologna defender, Riccardo Calafiori, and goalkeeper David Raya, who is arriving on a permanent deal from Brentford.
Mikel Merino, a midfielder for Real Sociedad, is nearly set to join Arsenal, although Arteta has hinted that other deals may yet be made.
“We have to [be ready] because anything can happen both ways,” he said as echoed by The Evening Standard. “You have to be ready and especially in the last week.
“You have to be alert and prepared because a lot of surprises can come, for many different reasons and we are prepared.
“Everybody will be in a different position. We knew what we wanted to do and what we could do. That is important.
“You have to put those two things together at the end and then [see] what is available that can strength the squad and make the team better for the short-, medium- and long-term, which is important.”
On Arsenal’s reported move for Sterling, he said: “No, but I can talk about my time with Raheem. It was exceptional, we built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at the time we were together and he taught me a lot as well.”
Arsenal are set for showdown Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Saturday at the Villa Park.
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