Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Sunday’s Premier League game against Newcastle at St James’ Park (kick-off 16:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Arteta started his news conference by addressing the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar: “Shocking news. Straight away I was thinking about the family and how difficult it is to go through something like this. Our full support is with the family and our thoughts are with all his loved ones.”
He is hopeful Martin Odegaard will be available for the trip to the North East. Meanwhile, there “is no update” on Noni Madueke.
He would not confirm William Saliba has signed a new contract, but said: “That is what I’m hoping. It’s great to see so many players willing to stay.”
On Saliba and why him extending is so important: “He is very impressive for his age because sometimes we tend to forget [he is only 24 years old]. It’s his consistency and the way he has matured as a person. Year after year, he has built a partnership in the backline – with Gabriel especially, and the keeper.”
There is no update on Bukayo Saka’s contract, but Arteta said he would “love that” to be sorted soon.
On only conceding two goals in seven games and whether he has the best defence in the league: “We want to be the best team in the Premier League. It’s collective, it’s a team sport. In anything we do, everyone has a say.”
He said Newcastle “is going to be another tough test” and they “have to be better” than when they played them last season. He wants his side to be “more efficient to win the game”.
On the atmosphere at St James’ Park: “Incredibly beautiful. One of the best atmospheres in this country. They play every single ball with you. It’s electric. It’s one team in one city. It’s a great atmosphere to play in.”
Listen to commentary of Newcastle v Arsenal on BBC Radio 5 Live at 16:30 on Sunday
Follow all of Friday’s Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day’s football news