Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta makes Premier League title race prediction: ‘It is going to be a long, long run’ - The Arsenal manager also provided an update on the club’s transfer dealings after a number

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Aston Villa (kick-off 17:30). Here are the key lines from his news conference:

Mikel Arteta has said that the club have "very clear ideas" on who they want to sign during the January transfer window as they struggle with an influx of injuries.

Losing to Aston Villa twice played a major role in Arsenal falling short in last season's Premier League title race, and manager Mikel Arteta does not want to take Unai Emery's side for granted despite a win at Villa Park in August.

Have we already witnessed the peak years of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal reign? It feels like this Emirates era is heading towards a crossroads, with Arsenal in the middle of a high-stakes game. This will either be one of the greatest seasons in the club’s history - ending a 21-year wait for the Premier League title - or a campaign which ends amid a highly-charged post-season review as to how they squandered their best chance to become champions in two decades.

Mikel Arteta insists Myles Lewis-Skelly will continue to play at left-back amid calls for the Arsenal youngster to return to his natural midfield position. Lewis-Skelly is enjoying a breakthrough season at the Emirates after making his debut in the 2-2 draw at Manchester City last September.

Arsenal's Mikel Arteta hailed his side's 2-1 comeback win against north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday as proof his side remains firmly in the Premier League title race, although he rued their failure to kill the game off despite ample opportunity.

Mikel Arteta has refused to be drawn on any specifics regarding his team. The Spaniard has many players still out of the side going into the challenging test. Arteta faced the media in the build-up to a pivotal Premier League clash with Aston Villa with the chance to make a significant statement and avenge their title blow from the previous campaign.