Compared to recent years, Arsenal’s summer looks relatively quiet. So far they only have three games lined up across the next two months before the Premier League gets under way again.
They are yet to confirm whether the Emirates Cup will return as a final curtain raiser in north London, whilst there is no planned trip to Nurnberg ahead of a pre-season tour either
Last year, when there was a major tournament to factor in, Arsenal played five matches between July 25 and August 11. They were split between America and then N5 with players joining up irregularly due to involvement at the European Championship in Germany.
In 2023, when Arsenal signed Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, they were not as pushed for time and went to Nurnberg for initial preparations after a brief training camp at London Colney. That year, when they really kicked on from surprise title challenges to genuine contenders, there were five matches across three countries as well as a behind-closed-doors game and Community Shield
Unlike rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, Arsenal do not have to worry about the Club World Cup ruining plans either. They have had players on international duty in this awkward in-between period since the season ended almost a month ago, but there is room for a break
FIFA rules dictate that players are entitled to three weeks of uninterrupted rest. Arsenal can still afford that without infringing on their pre-season, whereas some at the Club World Cup will struggle. When adding in the recent World Cup qualifiers and friendlies, it is nightmarish
Arsenal have had more of a blank canvas to play with. They did not have a post-season tour like Manchester United and were not in a European final. They really have had time off since the win at Southampton to end the campaign.
Many have been in action with their countries but can now look forward to a proper holiday. As for Arteta and Andrea Berta, they will be looking to add new bodies to the squad.
Arsenal are looking to sign a backup goalkeeper (set to be Kepa Arrizabalaga), midfield reinforcement (Martin Zubimendi), a winger, and striker. The latter two are both more complicated with multiple names in the mix.
Whether it is Rodrygo or Nico Williams, Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal have work to do on both fronts. They promise to define the summer window and how Arsenal look heading into next season.
Berta will also need to carry out some changes to the wider squad with uncertain futures for Thomas Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, and possibly more still. Bolstering those positions will be a crucial task if Arsenal are to compete on multiple fronts.The good news is that there is still plenty of time. Arsenal have until September 1 to complete their business, even if the window is currently closed briefly. After opening for ahead of the Club World Cup, between June 1-10, there is a calm period now where no new registrations can be completed until June 16.
From there, it is two-and-a-half months of activity and noise. Arsenal have had an extended run up to this window, essentially ever since going out of the Champions League. Attention has been placed on Berta and Arteta with the expectation that a trophy is won next season.
The recruitment will dictate how possible that is and Arsenal will want to learn some of the lessons from last year. They had to turn to two deadline day loans to find cover on the wing and in goal. Neither Neto or Raheem Sterling had a major impact and it left Arteta without players he truly trusted to carry out a job, owing to less rest and competition for those playing regularly.
Mikel Merino’s arrival dragged on due to his involvement at the Euros. Riccardo Calafiori’s move was smoother but he came with niggling injury issues. It was not the ideal preparation, especially with Declan Rice, David Raya, and Bukayo Saka going all the way to the final as well.
