Mikel Arteta provides transfer update after recent FA Cup win at Bournemouth

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that the club’s transfer plans won’t change for the month even after the possible injury setback for Shkodran Mustafi.

The Germany international picked up an ankle concern during the FA Cup fourth round tie against Bournemouth after he collided with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who was advancing to clear the ball.

As a result, he was substituted on a stretcher at the hour mark of the Cup tie and he could be sidelined for a considerable period of time depending on the medical assessment.

Speaking in the press conference after that game, Arteta was asked whether the club could intensify their search for a new centre-back with the injury to Mustafi but the Spaniard was relatively unperturbed.

He told: “No. We had a very clear intention of what we wanted to do in the market with the resources we have and if we can do it, fine. But his fitness [Mustafi’s fitness] won’t change anything.”

Arsenal’s move for Pablo Mari has reached a deadlock due to the disagreement over the transfer package but GloboEsporte’s Renan Moura has recently claimed that the deal could yet be finalised.

The 26-year-old recently returned to Flamengo after the setback in the negotiations but he has supposedly skipped training with the Brazilian champions in the anticipation of the transfer.

Arteta’s side are scheduled to face Burnley away from home in the Premier League this weekend. The manager will be hoping to maintain the recent momentum with another win before the mid-season break.