Football

Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has expressed his desire to extend his contract with the club once the summer transfer window closes next week. Arteta's current deal expires at the end of the season, and he is eager to continue his tenure in North London.Ahead of Arsenal's Premier League match against Aston Villa on Saturday, Arteta revealed that discussions regarding his future will take place after the club's transfer business is concluded. "The focus has been on the transfer window. We had quite a lot of things to do and discuss. We are on it and we will take care of that in the right moment," Arteta told reporters.When asked if talks would occur after the transfer window shuts, Arteta replied affirmatively. He expressed his gratitude for the support and harmony within the club, stating, "I am very grateful first of all for where I'm sitting and the people I work with every single day because it's really difficult to find that harmony, trust, belief, and alignment in the vision."Arteta emphasized his excitement about the future of Arsenal, saying, "It's something I always mention because I believe we still have an unbelievable time ahead of us. It's very exciting, and I am very excited about it."While Arteta is focused on strengthening Arsenal's squad before discussing his own future, he declined to comment on reports linking the club with a £32 million move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. "I cannot talk about any player that's not with us. There's still time in the market," Arteta said.The Arsenal manager acknowledged that the final week of the transfer window could bring surprises, but he confirmed that striker Eddie Nketiah would be involved against Aston Villa despite interest from Nottingham Forest. "I expect Eddie to train with us today. To be prepared for tomorrow. That's it. Whatever happens will happen if it's good for everybody," Arteta said.There is also speculation about a potential move for Raheem Sterling to Arsenal after the 29-year-old was left out of Chelsea's opening Premier League game of the season against Manchester City. Sterling, who was also omitted from England's Euro 2024 squad, worked with Arteta at Manchester City when the Arsenal boss served as Pep Guardiola's assistant."I can talk about my time with Raheem. It was exceptional. We built a really strong relationship together," Arteta said. "He was unbelievable at the time we were together, and he taught me a lot as well. About individuals, how they play, and how we give them support and help them. He's someone I have a really strong feeling about."

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed confidence in his team despite the club's lack of transfer activity this summer. Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp at the end of last season, believes he has inherited a "very good team" and is not concerned about the lack of new signings."I trust the team," Slot said. "I've said before, I have inherited a very good team, with young players. We trust them a lot. They proved that they have earned our trust."Liverpool are the only team in the Premier League yet to make a signing this summer. Spain international Martin Zubimendi rejected the opportunity to leave Real Sociedad, while a deal for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is reportedly close but would see the Georgian stay at the Mestalla this season on loan.Slot takes charge of his first competitive game at Anfield on Sunday when Brentford are the visitors. The Dutchman said he is focused on getting the three points and is not feeling the nerves of having to impress the home fans."I am not nervous at all," Slot said. "Certainly not at this moment because I'm in the middle of preparation, prepare the team for Sunday. It wouldn't be a good thing if you have nerves. I trust what me and my staff do to prepare the team in the best possible way. I trust the team a lot."Liverpool's window has been more dominated by sales. Sepp van den Berg and Fabio Carvalho have joined Brentford for combined fees of close to £50 million, while Bobby Clark has joined Red Bull Salzburg. England defender Joe Gomez has also been linked with a move away before the transfer deadline in a week's time.Slot is keen for Gomez to stay put, saying: "At this moment I am expecting everyone to be here. (But) everything can change. He didn't play a lot in the Euros and when he came back in the first sessions he couldn't train the whole session, so we had to manage his load and that was also a bit (of) a reason why he wasn't in the team on Saturday. But this week he had a good week in terms of load and how much he could do with the team. He is one of the players that I see new things from and learn things what I see from him."

Manchester United's summer transfer window has kicked off with a bang, with the club reportedly close to signing four players within the first 10 days. This marks a significant departure from previous transfer windows, where United's business typically began later in the summer.The new regime at Old Trafford, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has set the ball rolling early, with sporting directors Dan Ashworth and Christopher Vivell playing a key role in identifying and securing transfer targets.The first player on United's radar is Dutch defender Matthijs De Ligt from Bayern Munich. Sources have confirmed that United have agreed personal terms with the Dutchman and are willing to match Bayern's asking price of £42 million.Another Dutch player, Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, is also close to joining United. The 23-year-old has reportedly agreed personal terms and could make the move for a fee of £40 million.With Raphael Varane leaving on a free transfer, United have been scouting the market for defensive reinforcements. In addition to De Ligt, United have been pursuing Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton. However, after a £45 million bid was rejected, United have turned their attention to Lille defender Leny Yoro. A £42 million bid for Yoro has reportedly been accepted, although personal terms are yet to be agreed upon.United's early success in the transfer window can be attributed to the arrival of new owners and the implementation of a new recruitment system. The signings being targeted are all within the right age profile, playstyles, and price ranges, a departure from United's previous tendency to overpay for players who did not fit the system.If United can complete the signings of De Ligt, Zirkzee, Branthwaite, or Yoro, manager Erik Ten Hag will have a more competitive squad heading into the 2024-25 season.