Arteta on contract, Man City charges and Leeds clash

Mikel Arteta addressed the media at Arsenal's Sobha Realty Training Centre on Friday ahead of the Premier League home fixture against Leeds United, fielding questions on his new contract, Manchester City's ongoing charges and squad fitness.

On his contract extension, Arteta said he was "extremely honoured" and praised the manner in which negotiations were handled. "I loved the manner that it was handled," he said. "When you are about to sign the deal, looking at everyone in the room and seeing some smiley faces and excitement in their eyes — that's what I gather from Stan and Josh, especially."

Arteta repeatedly declined to comment on the Manchester City charges, citing the ongoing process. "It's still an ongoing process that is not resolved, because it's been appealed, and my position, and the club's position, is not to make any further comments until this is fully resolved," he stated.

On fitness, Arteta confirmed Declan Rice is being managed after returning from the World Cup with issues, while Kai Havertz suffered a muscular injury during the international break and was sent back by Germany. Ezri Konsa has also been carrying problems, and Tzolis faces several weeks out with a muscle injury. Richard Hincapie, Miquelón Mosquera and Ben White are all available.

Arteta said the 1-0 defeat at Brighton last weekend left a mark. "The pain is still there in the tummy, and tomorrow we certainly have to play with that," he said, adding that the result exposed how fine the line is "from being exceptional to becoming very average."

On Leeds United's strong start to the season, Arteta expressed no surprise. "When I watch their games, no. And I think they fully deserve where they are because they've earned it," he said.

Asked about his long-term ambitions at the club, Arteta was direct. "That's what we want to try to achieve and that's the ambition and I don't think you have to hide it," he said of targeting dominance. He also confirmed Arsenal's Premier League title win last season made him feel "very proud" and "very emotional" given the manner in which it was achieved.