The talk around Arsenal this week has again been dominated by the club's search for a striker. 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.

Pep Guardiola insisted his relationship with Mikel Arteta is “exceptional” as he shrugged off suggestions Manchester City ’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday is a grudge match. The Catalan also said City may carry on spending, despite paying out £122m in the January transfer window to bring three players to the Etihad Stadium.

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.