There are still almost four weeks left of the summer transfer window but for Mikel Arteta and some of his Arsenal players, the next one could be the biggest. With two friendlies left to play before the opening day Premier League clash at home to Wolves, it is crunch time.
Arteta has so far spread minutes throughout his squad in pre-season, offering game time to those far and wide. From academy hopefuls to experienced pros, players on the fringes of the squad to the trusted few, it has been a delicate balancing act.
Add in the group returning mid-tour of America from international ventures at Copa America and Euro 2024, Arteta hasn’t had the bulk of his best side available. It is hard to escape three starters all coming back at once with Bukayo Saka, David Raya, and Declan Rice arriving at the Sobha Realty training complex.
The good news is that with matches still to play and little travel needed in the coming fortnight, Arsenal will be able to put out a much-improved side when they face Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday. By the time it comes to Lyon at the weekend the plan will be to get as close to the XI facing Wolves as possible.
