Some juicy bits from Arsene's press conference overnight;
On Sanchez-Mkhitaryan swap deal
“It can happen, it can as well not happen. It is as that stage.”
Will Sanchez play for Arsenal again?
"Yes. If it doesn’t happen he will play on Saturday.”
Will it happen in the next 24 hours?
“Yes it is likely to happen. But any minute things can break down. That’s how the transfer market is. These things are never guaranteed.”
On Mkhitaryan coming the other way
“Yes that is my understanding. I like the player.”
Will wages be an obstacle?
“No, the wages will not be a problem.”
On Aubameyang
“No I have nothing to add to that. This kind of thing is better when it’s secret.
“You announce it when it’s over the line. Nothing else [other than Sanchez] is close.”
Will Auba fit in with his ‘big’ character?
“Yes, a character can be very positive or very negative. Overall you look at achievement over career and if he has done well the character has been used in a positive way.”
Will Ozil be here in February?
“Yes.”
What about Jonny Evans?
“I have nothing to add on that.”
On not selling Sanchez in the summer
“Look, the problem was similar to what it is today. I only accept to let him go if somebody comes in instead of him.
“I would have let him go in the summer but it [getting a replacement] didn’t happen.”
On a new deal for Jack Wilshere
“We know what we want. We want him to stay. He wants to stay. We have to find satisfying financial agreement and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Wenger on signing Malcom
"No I don't think it is close. No I don't think so."
On Giroud's return
"Giroud is one week away."