Mikel Arteta met with the press ahead of Arsenal’s game at Wolves on Thursday night and was asked about the club’s transfer activity in January.

Arsenal, of course, did not bring in any new players.

While they did sign Auston Trusty from the MLS, and reportedly have an agreement to sign Matt Turner from New England Revolution, neither will be at the club until the summer.

As a result, all of Arsenal’s action, at least in the men’s team, were outgoings.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday morning, Arteta explained why that was.

“We did what we believed was the right thing to do,” Arteta said.

“The squad composition and contracts were catching up, be fair with players who haven’t had a lot of minutes.

“We had a clear plan of what we can do but then it has to be doable. Edu and his team have done a great job.

“We are very clear we only want the best people and the best players at this club. When we are in a rush and the reasons to get a player on board are not the right ones we didn’t do it.”

“I’m extremely grateful for what Auba has done at the club since I’ve been here, Arteta said.

“He said I was the problem…That’s what he said and you have to respect that.

“I’ve been the solution, 100%. I can look anybody in the eye. Did I get anything wrong? I do a lot of things wrong for sure but the intention is the best for the club and the team.”

Arteta was also asked about the role of club captain and confirmed that, for now, Alexandre Lacazette is the captain.

Lacazette is, of course, out of contract in the summer.

He also gave an update on Takehiro Tomiyasu’s fitness ahead of the game against Wolves which you can read here.