Mikel Arteta has responded to Erling Haaland's "stay humble" dig ahead of Arsenal's highly anticipated showdown against Manchester City in the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola has denied that a rift has developed in his relationship with Mikel Arteta despite a number of bruising encounters between his Manchester City team and Arsenal.

Arsenal want to sign a striker before the transfer window shuts and have had an approach turned down for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins. The club are also long-term admirers of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko, but neither player will move before the deadline.

In each of the past four Premier League campaigns, Arsenal have recorded more points than the season before: from a nadir of 56 points (eighth) after Arteta took over midway through the 2019-20, to 61 points (eighth), to 69 points (fifth), to 84 points (second) to 89 points (second) last season, just two points behind champions Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta remains ‘uncertain’ whether or not David Raya will be fit enough to make his return against Manchester City on Sunday. The Spain international has been in sensational form this season and had been a near ever-present before he was forced to miss Wednesday’s win over Girona.

After news broke that the Gunners had approached Aston Villa for striker Ollie Watkins, Mikel Arteta was always going to be asked about the striker search in the January transfer window. About 100 miles north at Villa's training ground,

Paul Merson has urged Mikel Arteta not to start Arsenal midfielder Jorginho in this weekend’s huge Premier League clash against Manchester City. Arsenal will look to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool when they play host to reigning champions Man City on Sunday.