The Italian defender returns to his homeland with Arsenal having evolved far beyond a traditional inverted left back under Mikel Arteta.

LONDON — Arsenal welcome Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium in a big London derby as the title favorites and a recalibrated contender collide. Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso go way back, but their friendship will be put to one side for this clash as both teams aim to keep their 100 percent record to start the season.

Mikel Arteta faces the media ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Chelsea with information on the end of the transfer window and team news