Mikel Arteta ready for Swans in his big Arsenal home debut

Published: September 8, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

LAST-gasp signing Mikel Arteta has revealed he “can’t wait” to show the Arsenal fans what he can do as he prepares to make his debut against Swansea on Saturday.

The Spanish midfielder was confirmed as a Gunners player with just minutes to go on transfer deadline day as he made the switch from Everton in a deal believed to worth around £10million.

Arteta is still very much settling into life in London, and can look forward to a warm welcome when he pulls on the No 8 shirt and steps out at the Emirates Stadium.

“I can't wait to start playing,” he told Arsenal Player.

“I can’t wait to play at the Emirates, I think it’s an unbelievable stadium. I’m so excited.

“I have always been a big admirer of the Arsenal philosophy, the way they play, the way they do the job, and it’s always exciting watching Arsenal play. In England there is no better team to watch than Arsenal.

“Hopefully I will not take long to adapt but obviously you need to meet new characters, new personalities, and new players with different abilities so you need to pick that up as soon as possible to get an understanding on the pitch.”

Arsenal have picked up just one point from their opening three games, but Arteta is confident that his new team can turn things around and challenge for honours.

Reflecting on Manchester’s perfect start to the season that has seen United and City take nine points from nine, he said: “This club has to be there with them fighting until the very end, that is for sure. Nobody can be happy saying they are too good or have spent more money.

“We have unbelievable talent here and if we can use it the right way I am sure we can fight with them.”

Despite bringing in nine new players, Arsenal go into Saturday’s game against Swansea with a depleted squad.

Ankle injuries have seen Thomas Vermaelen ruled out for at least a month and Jack Wilshere for between two and three months. Abou Diaby is also still struggling with an ankle injury after surgery.

Meanwhile Gervinho and Alex Song will miss the visit of the Swans as they complete three-match suspensions.

New signings Chu-Young Park, Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos could, however, bolster the squad.