By 
Arteta on whether having fans cheering them into the stadium will be helpful
I think that would be great. We’ve been missing them so much, we need them. If the players feel like they are right behind them, supporting them, again I think it’s only the 10th time the club have played a European semi final so it’s a big moment for us. Hopefully we can have them closer than we’ve had already in the last few months.
Arteta on potential fan protests tonight
I think that they have to be able to express themselves and if it’s done in a pacific way they have the right to do it. We will try to prepare the game the best possible way I wouldn’t like to use any excuses if something happens with that. I know that the only purpose of the fans is to defend the club and they want the best for the team. We will try to do the same.
On how Aubameyang is after Sunday
He played well and he felt much better than the days before that. Scoring a goal is really important for him so he’s in a good place.
On whether this game will affect summer transfers
I don’t know. Difficult to respond to that. What I can say is winning always helps for the future. It’s the best way to prepare anything.
Arteta on playing a false nine last week
That criticism is part of the job and normally comes when you lose. We all know that.
Arteta on the players potentially leaving
“It’s true for some players it might be their last season for different reasons. I can see how much it means to them and how much they want it.”
Arteta on Cedric
“He’s been a bit unfortunate because he played some good games as a right-back. He played some as a left-back but it’s true that Calum came on and did really well.”
Arteta on Neville & Carragher’s criticism of Auba
“They are all the time free to talk. My job and responsibility is to protect our players and to get the maximum out of it. They can comment sometimes without knowing all the details…”
Arteta asked how often he speaks to the Kroenkes
“Often enough and the rest Vinai, Tim, Edu do it often as well. There’s a really good communication line.”
Arteta on the Kroenkes
“They’ve been in touch with us in a really convincing way as I said last week.”
Arteta on Ek takeover talk
“We have to try to be away from all the rumours and everything that is happening around the club. The best way to help the club is to win football matches and be competitive again.”
Arteta on team news
Arteta doesn’t rule David Luiz out of being involved tonight.
On whether Tierney will be OK to feature: “We will see today.”
Arteta on David Luiz being available tonight:
“With David it’s always possible. He has made an incredible effort to be in the position he’s in today”
(Chris Wheatley)
