Flora Snelson – BBC Sport journalist
Fri, April 10, 2026 at 2:22 PM UTC
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Saturday’s Premier League game against Bournemouth at the Emirates (kick-off 12:30).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Eberechi Eze is available having recovered from a calf injury. Arteta said: “The way that he has pushed to be there [back fit] is great to watch.”
When asked whether Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori will be available, Arteta said: “I don’t know. Some of them.”
Arteta asked that fans get down to the stadium early in order to provide the best possible support: “I would please ask them to be there with that mindset, that energy and that commitment because the team will respond beautifully to that. Get up early, have an early breakfast, bring your lunch and let’s go for it together because it has to be a big day.”
There is no update on his contract, but Arteta noted: “I am fully committed here. I am really happy and I feel good.”
Mikel Merino’s injury recovery is going well: “I am sure there is a chance that he could make this period shorter. If there is a person that can do it, I am sure it is Mikel.”
Arteta praised the “really good” reaction his team showed against Sporting and said he has “a lot” of belief that his team can win the Champions League.
Follow all of Friday’s Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day’s football news
Got a question about Arsenal? Get in touch here and we’ll seek answers from our experts
Ask Me Anything green banner
