Arteta Optimistic About Arsenal's Future After Tough Season

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta congratulates Liverpool on their title win but remains focused on ending the season strong and securing a Champions League spot.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided some positive injury updates, suggesting potential returns for Kai Havertz and Jorginho before the end of the season. This news comes ahead of Arsenal's Premier League match against Bournemouth. Arteta also addressed speculation surrounding William Saliba, expressing his expectation that the defender will remain with the club despite reported interest from Real Madrid.

“If everything goes the way it's going at the moment and the way it's planned, I think he will have a chance to play a few games here in the season,” Arteta said of Havertz.

“Jorginho is still out. Jorginho's got a bit more complicated than expected. Thankfully, he’s fine, he’s feeling good, he’s recovering well.

“Hopefully if everything goes well in the next week or so, I think he will gradually integrate in the team.”

💬 "I think he has changed a lot of things at the club as well, the atmosphere, the belief, the players that he's recruited, the way they play, really impressive.”

Mikel on ex-teammate Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 2, 2025

Mikel Arteta is confident William Saliba will stay at Arsenal, citing recent conversations with the player. “I'm quite confident that William is very happy here and that's the place that he wants to be,” he said, amid reports of Real Madrid's interest. Arsenal will hold talks with Saliba over a new deal soon, as he enters the final two years of his contract.

Arsenal currently sits second in the Premier League, with Liverpool having already clinched the title, and has four games remaining. The team is also chasing a spot in the Champions League final after losing the home semi-final leg 1-0 to Paris St Germain. Their next match is against Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium.

A win against Bournemouth, led by Arteta's friend Andoni Iraola, could secure Arsenal a Champions League spot for next season. Arteta congratulated Liverpool on their well-deserved title but expressed disappointment that Arsenal missed out again, highlighting the pain of falling short.

“Big time,” he said. “I understand that (Liverpool) is a team that is being more consistent and they have a lot of ingredients that you need to win it, but it's very painful.

“We have so much to play for still in the two competitions, Premier League and Champions League,” he added. “The focus is there.”

Attention shifts back to the Premier League. pic.twitter.com/M4jF7wFqaU

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 2, 2025