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Arteta on Eze: I can never talk about any player that is not part of our group

Arteta spoke to the press ahead of Arsenal's match with Leeds
Arteta spoke to the press ahead of Arsenal's match with LeedsPETER POWELL / AFP

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken to the media ahead of this weekend's meeting with Leeds.

Both Mikel Arteta and Leeds boss Daniel Farke masterminded 1-0 victories in their opening games and will be hoping for another three points this weekend as the two sides clash.

The Spanish head coach first brushed off a question around Eberechi Eze, who is set to take his medical this week. 

Arteta dodges Eze question

"Nothing to comment. I can never talk about any player that is not part of our group yet."

Havertz injury hard to work out

Questions then shifted towards Kai Havertz's injury, which was reportedly the trigger for the move for Eze, who will return to the Gunners after being released by the club when he was just 13 years old. 

"We don't really know the extent of it. We need a bit more time and some more tests, and after that we will have some more clarity. 

"I prefer not to talk about the specifics, but he is not fit. We need to explore this situation a bit further and decide what we are going to do. 

"I don't know (how long he will be out for). I would love to have him available for tomorrow." 

Players must feel Arsenal are 'something special'

Arteta was next asked on how important it is that he gets the feeling that a player wants to be at Arsenal, such as Eze or the many summer signings that have come through the door such as Viktor Gyokeres.

"That's the number one, that they want to be with us and feel something special to come to us. Then the person, what personality we are going to bring - and then the rest comes.

"I think we have done very well in the last few years to create this spirit in the team."

Supporting Arsenal is a huge bonus

A desire to join Arsenal is important but a question followed asking if it's even better if said player grew up supporting Arsenal, such as Dennis Bergkamp, Per Mertesacker and of course Eze, who is a lifelong Gunners fan.

"The better the feeling, the stronger the feeling, then the better always because it brings a different edge, will and emotion to what you do, and I think that always brings something extra." 

Gyokeres ready to impress

Gyokeres was the next topic of conversation, and Arteta revealed that the Portuguese star is more than ready to go this weekend.

"He is. He is very enthusiastic. He has trained really well this week again. He has had another week under his belt and he is in a really good place."

Berta brings something new to the club

Arteta then opened up on the difference he has noticed this summer working with new sporting director Andrea Berta, who arrived from Atletico Madrid earlier this year.

"The great thing is, the common thing is that the ownership has always been the same and they have been really supportive. 

"I have worked with three great people (Raul Sanllehi, Edu and Berta), really grateful to work with all of them. He (Berta) is very professional, thorough, determined and he brings something different to the table, so I really enjoy working with him."

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