Mikel Arteta played down concerns over another racist incident in Spain as Arsenal prepare to face Sevilla three days after Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior was abused in the same stadium.
The Gunners play Sevilla in the Champions League at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium on Tuesday following a weekend in which a supporter was ejected for making a monkey gesture during a 1-1 draw with Madrid.
Vinícius praised Sevilla for their swift handling of the situation, with the club adding later in a statement that “the individual will also be subject to the club’s vigorous internal disciplinary protocols and have their membership revoked.”
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was racially abused on social media after England’s penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final and when asked about any fears of a possible problem against Sevilla, Arteta said at his prematch press conference on Monday: “What I can say is Sevilla reacted in a really strong and quick way. Great. Let’s enjoy a beautiful football atmosphere.
“It doesn’t get much better than the atmosphere here and I hope that we can just talk about the football and enjoy that atmosphere tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Jorginho has hinted he could stay at Arsenal beyond the end of his current contract. The 31-year-old joined the Gunners from Chelsea for £12 million in February on a deal which expires next summer, although there is an option to extend by a further year.
“No, I haven’t had any conversations to be honest,” Jorginho said. “The only thing I can say is that I feel really good here and I am really happy at Arsenal.”
Jorginho also backed Kai Havertz to shine after a slow start following his £67.5m move from Chelsea in the summer.
“I think Kai has so much potential,” Jorginho said. “I’ve tried to stay close to him because, to be honest, he’s a great guy and an amazing footballer of course. He has just arrived at the club.
“So many new things for him to adapt and learn. Of course he is going to show so much more, but I think he is doing well and I’m sure he is hungry for much more and I am sure he will do it.”
Arteta also confirmed goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has travelled with the squad to Spain after his wife gave birth to a baby boy last weekend.
