Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has already linked up with a select number of his squad in Marbella ahead of the official pre-season start on Monday.
The Spanish coach and his players are preparing together in Spain before the full group returns for the formal beginning of pre-season preparations.
Arsenal have been relatively quiet in the summer transfer window so far, with Piero Hincapie and Illan Meslier the only permanently confirmed signings.
A third arrival is on the way, however, with an agreement in place with Club Brugge to bring Greek international Christos Tzolis to the club.
Tzolis will be tasked with filling the void left by Leandro Trossard’s departure, bringing his impressive goalscoring form from Belgium to the Premier League.
Off the pitch, Arsenal are navigating significant changes, including a new Academy Director, fresh backroom staff, and news that Chief Commercial Officer Juliet Slot is stepping down.
Meslier has been at the club for just over a week, and his arrival is expected to allow current third-choice goalkeeper Tommy Setford to head out on loan.
One of Arteta’s most pressing decisions concerns Ethan Nwaneri, who has returned from his holiday and a brief spell with England’s senior squad before the World Cup.
Nwaneri’s loan stint at Marseille last season fell short of expectations, with head coach Habib Beye publicly criticising the young midfielder for a lack of application.
Whether Arteta opts for another loan move or integrates Nwaneri into this season’s first-team plans remains one of the most intriguing questions of the summer.
Adding further complexity, Nwaneri’s brother Emerson Nwaneri is expected to sign scholarship terms with Arsenal, a development that could signal a shift in Ethan’s situation at the club.
Arsenal are also facing serious injury concerns heading into pre-season, with several key players carrying significant fitness worries from their summer international commitments.
William Saliba was forced off during France’s World Cup semi-final against Spain, with French media reporting the defender is likely to require surgery on a serious back issue.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have both been managing issues throughout the summer, with Saka unable to feature in England’s semi-final against Argentina.
Arteta faces the real possibility that all three players could miss the start of the new season, making pre-season planning a critical exercise in finding short-term solutions.
