Arteta Addresses future of Jorginho, Raya and Jesus

In a highly anticipated pre-game press conference this afternoon, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta shed light on the futures of key players and the team’s strategy moving forward.

Jorginho.

The spotlight first fell on Jorginho, amidst swirling rumors of a potential contract extension.

Arteta expressed a strong desire to retain the Italian midfielder, citing his invaluable contributions to the team’s performance.

He emphasized the club’s unwavering support for securing Jorginho’s continued presence, affirming his integral role in bolstering the squad.

“I would love to keep him. He knows that. The club is fully supportive of that. He makes us better so we want him to stay.”

David Raya.

Attention then turned to goalkeeper David Raya, poised on the brink of clinching the coveted Golden Glove accolade with a clean sheet in the upcoming fixture.

Speculation arose regarding the possibility of Raya’s loan deal from Brentford being made permanent in the summer.

Arteta tactfully deferred discussions to a post-season review, acknowledging Raya’s commendable impact while hinting at internal deliberations within the club.

“Those conversations are for after the season, we will review where we are. Obviously we are really happy with David and everything that he has brought to the club, to the team, there’s no question about it, but all those decisions are to be made between all of us at the club and we will see.”

Gabriel Jesus.

However, amidst the optimism, Arteta swiftly dispelled rumors surrounding Gabriel Jesus’s purported departure from Arsenal. Denying any knowledge of such intentions, he firmly shut down speculations regarding the Brazilian forward’s future at the club.

I don’t know where that’s coming from. No.”

Insight on Declan Rice development.

Transitioning to player development, Arteta provided insights into Declan Rice’s evolving role and performance trajectory.

Acknowledging the midfielder’s increased goal-scoring prowess this season, Arteta emphasized the need for nurturing Rice’s latent potential further.

He highlighted the importance of situational awareness, teamwork, and continuity within the squad, underscoring ongoing efforts to optimize Rice’s development and maximize his impact on the pitch.

“I think there is much more there. We have to put him in more situations for him to explore the talent that he has. He needs to recognise certain situations earlier, he needs to build that relationship and chemistry within the unit that he’s playing with, something that is still quite raw, and especially with the amount of change that we made in that left side this season.

As Arsenal braces for crucial encounters ahead, Arteta’s measured reflections offer a glimpse into the club’s strategic vision, underlining a steadfast commitment to talent retention and player progression in pursuit of on-field success.