Chelsea Premier League title challenge? Arteta: They have the ability, it is very possible

In the third round of the Premier League, Arsenal will host Chelsea. In the final part of his pre-match press conference, Arteta discussed his friendship with Blues head coach Xabi Alonso, as well as topics including Saka's motivation.

Hello, Mikel. I have been reading about the history of San Sebastian. We are all products of our environment……

Products? What kind of products, food or……?

No, no. We are all products of the environments in which we grow up.

Ah, I understand.

In the history of San Sebastian, there have been many wars, battles and conflicts. I want to know whether this was an important reason why you, Xabi (Alonso), and Andoni (Iraola) have gone so far in life, and whether it shaped your attitude toward competition?

Do you mean having a tougher character? Maybe. Yes, obviously we have experienced a lot both internally and domestically. But indeed, I think it made us stronger. It made us different—not better, but unique in a certain sense. We have made good use of that background and those values, which may have prepared us better to face difficult moments and challenges when we need to give everything.

You joined Everton six months after he (Alonso) went to Liverpool. How important was that? I guess you spoke with him? For you to come here to live, near him, actually next door to him, how important was that?

That was incredible. But something even more amazing also happened. Pepe Reina and I once slept in bunk beds in Barcelona. Years later, we lived next to each other in Liverpool, with him playing for Liverpool and me playing for Everton. That is the magic of this beautiful sport. You never know where you will end up, and many wonderful moments happen like that.

Many, many years ago, you said that you and Xabi had to keep your friendship quite low-key because people did not like seeing Liverpool players and Everton players becoming close friends. Was that the case?

I think you have to be sensible about this. There is no need to deliberately make certain things public…… Just like when Pepe (Reina) was at Liverpool, or when other players who shared some time with us were there. It is inevitable, but I think you also have to be able to separate your profession from your personal relationships.

Finally, Mikel, I have a few questions. Regarding Xabi (Alonso) and Chelsea, do you think they are title contenders this season?

I think they have all the ingredients to be right at the top of the table, without a doubt. Knowing him, knowing the history of this club, the strength of the squad they have, and the schedule they will face compared with other teams. So yes, it is very, very possible that it will happen.

I also want to ask about Bukayo (Saka). From the outside, it seems that he has returned with a real fire inside him. After a difficult World Cup and a difficult season affected by injuries. Have you noticed that? What do you think of his start to the season, as he has already scored two goals?

I noticed it immediately. The fact that he wanted to return early was already a very good sign. Also the way he prepared during the summer. But these things happen throughout your career. Sometimes you need certain motivation, or a little external stimulus to take you to another level. Bukayo is showing very good signs now, making us believe that this will be the case.