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Football London
Football London
Sport
James Benge

Every word Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta just said on Mykola Matviyenko, Dani Ceballos and FA Cup

What did you learn about players from Stamford Bridge draw?

The type of players that I have at the moment with the attitude that they showed, the ability to react in difficult moments. The joy was to watch from my side how much they wanted and that they never gave up.

How have you seen your team progress in the month since you began?

A lot of things that I wanted to implement, not just with the players but around the club in terms of the culture, I'm seeing very good signs in progress.

A lot of things about our way of playing and style, even if the circumstances in some of the games have made it a little more difficult than expected. In general I can see the direction towards what I wanted a month ago.

Bournemouth v Arsenal: Eddie Howe press conference

What can you say about links with Mykola Matviyenko?

I don't know. I'm not going to be discussing any transfer links publicly. It's something we're trying to do internally. When we have news we will communicate with you guys.

Are you looking at bringing in a defender?

We've been looking at different positions. Since I joined we lost Calum and we had other circumstances and injuries in those positions. At the back we've been short. Other positions as well, depending on what happens in the market, we might need to assess.

Are you hopeful something will be done before Friday?

At the moment I am 50:50 because this transfer [window] is very, very complicated. I only want to bring somebody in if I'm really convinced he can improve the levels we have.

Has Dani Ceballos indicated he would like to move?

I had a conversation with Dani. When I joined the club he wasn't here, he was in Madrid because he was doing his rehab for over a month with the team that owns him. When I came here he was doing his rehab in the first two or three weeks, getting back to fitness, and I haven't seen much of him because he only trained with us for a week or 10 days.

It's very early to assess what I can or cannot do with him. I heard about all those things but I have nothing to comment.

Would he be part of your plans if he got fit again?

He needs to get back to fitness and fight for his place like any other player. After that we will make a selection that is fair with what I see on the pitch.

What is the situation with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang?

I think a week ago after a game at home we were discussing that he said he was so happy, that he didn't agree with the things being written in the media and has his future here. I'm so happy with that.

That's where I stand at the moment.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the 2-0 win over Manchester United (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)

Is the FA Cup a way to get fans back on side?

When Rob was asking me about the things we've done in this month one of the most important things is create that connection with the fans. It's a long time since we've seen the fans support the team how they did against Chelsea.

It was incredible. At some stages we thought we were playing at home. The amount of support they gave was incredible in difficult circumstances. I'm so proud that they feel a little closer to the team now.

How high a priority is the FA Cup now?

We're going to fight for every competition that we're involved in. I know what it means for this club to win that competition. We need to get back winning and get back there, everybody talking about us.

This is a great competition to try to do that.

What are you expecting from Bournemouth?

After winning a game the manager for sure wants some continuity, to build on that, build some momentum to give confidence to the team. I'm not expecting any relaxation.

Will you give youngsters a go?

In the next two or three days we will assess the training sessions, how is everybody, and then try to pick the best possible team to win the games.

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