Mikel Arteta believes he knows why Pep Guardiola and former employers Manchester City are "going backwards" this season before their clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday

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

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.

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.

Mikel Arteta has lost a second talented Arsenal teenager to Manchester United in under a year, with defender Ayden Heaven signing a long-term deal with the Red Devils

Arsenal transfer news and opinion as football.london brings you a lowdown on the latest January transfer window