Mikel Arteta gives blunt response to Julian Alvarez saga and Arsenal deadline day plan
Mikel Arteta was asked about Arsenal's transfer plans on the final day of the summer window(Image: Sky Sports)
Mikel Arteta says he is ‘disconnected’ from Arsenal’s deadline day transfer plans - and says questions about Julian Alvarez are for ‘the people upstairs’.
Arsenal remain keen to sign the Atletico Madrid forward before the window closes on Tuesday night. They are yet to make a breakthrough to bring the Argentina forward to the Gunners.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is understood to have spoken to Alvarez last week in an effort to persuade him to make the move. But the Premier League champions are now running out of time to get a deal done ahead of the 11pm deadline.
Asked about his side's transfer plans on the final day of the window, Arteta told Sky Sports: "I don't know. I've been disconnected for a day because I don't want anything related to that.
"My focus has to be on the game. We have the right people at the club to look after that."
Arteta was speaking after Arsenal beat Aston Villa 1-0 on Monday night to maintain their winning start to their title defence. When asked specifically about Alvarez's situation, he replied: "I don't know. That's for the people upstairs."
Barcelona are also interested in Alvarez but Atletico are adamant they will not sell to their La Liga rivals. Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024.
The Gunners are also weighing up a move for Malick Fofana after the Lyon winger was offered to the club, football.london understands. Fofana, a Belgium international, would cost in the region of £34m.
The Gunners have already agreed exits for Gabriel Martinelli who is set to join Al Hilal in a deal worth around £60m, Gabriel Jesus, who will move to Barcelona for £8.6m plus £4.3m in add‑ons, and Fabio Vieira, who is heading to Hamburg in a £7.7m transfer.
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On the victory over Villa, Arteta added: "Really happy. A massive win. A tough place to come and earn the three points.
"I think we deserved it. A great squad performance - because when 11 wasn't enough the finishers game in and did a magnificent job to finish off the game.
"Last year we lost here in a really difficult way, with the last kick of the game. And that was still in the tummy.
"We are in the second game and it's like 'we have to win this game!'
"We know that last year was the same. We know the level, we know how difficult it is for every team to earn points in this league, so we have to be really proud tonight."
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