Arteta said Arsenal was trying to reinforce their defensive options amid media reports saying they have agreed a £51 million deal with Aston Villa to sign England centre-back Ezri Konsa.
“When we’re ready to announce something, we’ll let you know,” the Spaniard added.
Arteta also put to bed reports linking the versatile Myles Lewis-Skelly with a move away from Arsenal, saying he was “100 per cent sure” that the 19-year-old would remain at the club.
But the manager acknowledged that some players might have to leave, amid speculation that Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri could depart.
“It’s a really, really tough moment … but you have to face it with real honesty and transparency,” he said.
“We all know everything has a start and an end. When it ends, our job and duty is to do it in the best possible way, with respect and admiration for the player and the relationship. But at the end, we need to make difficult decisions.”
(With inputs from Reuters)
Published on Aug 20, 2026