Arsenal: Arsene Wenger denies Mikel Arteta contract talk but Francis Coquelin deal '99%' done

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has denied reports his captain Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract with the club.

Speaking on Thursday 29 January, Arteta's agent Iñaki Ibañez revealed the Spanish midfielder had signed a one-year contract extension at the Emirates Stadium, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

But speaking to the press in the pre-match press conference on 30 January, Wenger insisted there have been no developments over Arteta's future but admitted talks over a new deal for Francis Coquelin are "99%" complete.

Wenger also hinted he is ready to hand new signing Gabriel Paulista his Arsenal debut against Aston Villa on Sunday 1 February.

"Gabriel is ready to play," Wenger said. "I saw great quality. His level of concentration, he is quick has great commitment and he is young. We are in a job where competition exists. The best player of the moment plays."

The Gunners boss has confirmed, however, that Alexis Sanchez is almost certain to miss the game after picking up a hamstring problem in training.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck also remain injury absentees but the former Manchester United forward remains on course to make his return against Tottenham Hotspur on 7 February.

"[Welbeck] is still out. He could be available Sunday but he's definitely available next week," Wenger continued. "[Oxlade-Chamberlain] could be out longer. He may be a bit short for the Tottenham game."

Wenger also had positive news on Jack Wilshere, who has not played since November after undergoing ankle surgery.

He said: "Jack is doing very well. He is a week ahead of schedule and should return in 10 days."