Arteta keeps Arsenal focused on Leeds United as City case remains unresolved

Mikel Arteta has refused to add to the debate surrounding Manchester City’s legal case, insisting Arsenal’s attention must remain on preparing for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Leeds United at Emirates Stadium.

Manchester City’s case is still subject to an appeal, and Arteta said neither he nor the club would comment further until the legal process has concluded.

“It is extremely important that we respect the procedures, the timeline and the process, which has not been resolved because there is an appeal in the case,” he said. “My position, and the club’s position, is not to make any further comments until the matter is resolved.”

Arteta also declined to assess whether the case had damaged the Premier League’s reputation, saying a clear view could only be formed once the proceedings were complete. He did, however, firmly reject any suggestion that the competition was no longer the best in the world.

The Arsenal manager, who has more than 20 years’ experience in English football, praised the work of Brighton and Brentford, saying their success showed the league’s competitiveness was not simply determined by spending power. Arsenal were beaten by Brighton in their previous match.

Arteta said whatever happens with Manchester City is beyond Arsenal’s control. His team, he added, must focus on its preparation after the international break.

“That is outside our control,” he said. “What is within our control is how prepared we are. All our internationals have returned in the best possible condition to enable us to beat Leeds tomorrow, and that is our focus.”

Arteta sets out Arsenal ambitions

The Spaniard was speaking after extending his Arsenal contract, almost seven years after taking charge. He described the renewal as a continuation of a shared belief between himself and the club, thanking Stan Kroenke, Josh Kroenke, chief executive Richard Garlick, director of football operations James King, sporting director Andrea Berta, his staff and the players.

“I feel very privileged,” Arteta said. “My family and I are extremely grateful to continue enjoying this incredible journey, which started nearly seven years ago.”

He said renewing the deal brought fresh responsibility rather than a guarantee of success. Arsenal must continue working every day to maintain their standards, he added, as they pursue a period of sustained success and dominance.

Arteta said Arsenal now had a clear identity, shared ambition and united vision. He remains focused on the present and said he had no current plans for a break from management.

“It is about today, and hopefully tomorrow,” he said. “You have to enjoy the journey. That is the most important thing and the biggest lesson I have learned over the years.”

Rice, Havertz and Konsa doubts

Declan Rice is a doubt after leaving the England camp, with Arteta stressing the need to manage the midfielder carefully following his heavy workload over the past three years and physical problems since returning from the World Cup.

Kai Havertz has a muscular injury, while Ezri Konsa has also returned from international duty with a fitness issue. Their availability will be assessed before kick-off.

Christos Tzolis will miss the match for several weeks after suffering a hamstring injury with Greece. There was better news regarding Piero Hincapie, Christian Mosquera, Ben White and Max Dowman, who are available after recovering from injuries.

Arteta said Arsenal felt “a huge amount of pain” after the Brighton defeat and must respond with a performance their supporters deserve.