Mikel Arteta spoke with the press ahead of Arsenal’s first game against Liverpool that takes place at Anfield on Monday night.

While he was asked about the game, he was also asked about Arsenal’s business in the transfer window about which he gave little away.

First up, he was asked about Lucas Torreira who hasn’t featured in a single game for Arsenal this season as he nears an exit. “No, we don’t have any updates on Lucas or any other player at the moment,” Arteta replied.

He was then asked about the rumour we are interested in Jorginho and, rather than just say no, Arteta said, “We are still open to improve our team, we are looking for different options depending on what happens with some of our players here so we are getting prepared just in case we need to do something.”

Pushed more on the subject of Jorginho by reporters, Arteta was having none of it. “Sorry, but I cannot talk about players that play for a different team. [Discussing] their qualities is not appropriate from my side.”

Did Arsenal try and sign Thiago before he went to Liverpool? “We don’t discuss the things that we try to do in the market.”

Is Thiago a player he likes? “Yeah, I really like him from my time that I was in Barcelona as well. A player with incredible personality, great talent, very special qualities to play in midfield. I think he’s a great signing for Liverpool.”

Arsenal will also play Liverpool on 1 October, again at Anfield, after the two sides were drawn against each other in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.