Catch a round-up of the latest Arsenal news, including updates on Gabriel Jesus, Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Odegaard.
Gabriel Jesus transfer stance
Arsenal continue to be linked with a potential move for a striker in the summer transfer window, with the aim of bolstering Mikel Arteta’s squad.
While any signing could improve the options available to the Arsenal boss, there would be a knock-on impact on the rest of the dressing room.
Not least Gabriel Jesus, who has often been utilised as a main centre-forward at the Emirates Stadium since his switch from Manchester City.
That has led to plenty of questions surrounding the future of the Brazilian, with plenty of suitors possibly following developments on his place with the Gunners.
According to exclusive Arsenal Insider sources, Arteta has no plans on moving Jesus on if another striker is signed.
The 27-year-old is currently facing competition from Kai Havertz and Eddie Nketiah for the centre-forward position.
It remains to be seen whether another striker will be added to the mix, with Viktor Gyokeres amongst those linked.
Read more on Gabriel Jesus transfer latest, here.
Mikel Arteta explains Riccardo Calafiori absence
Arsenal announced the signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna in late July as their first major move to bolster the squad this summer.
The Italian international starred heavily for both club and country over the past year, securing Champions League football in his domestic league while impressing at Euro 2024 with his nation.
A versatile defender, Calafiori is capable of playing as a centre-back and left-back, offering different solutions to Arteta’s squad.
While the 22-year-old has joined up with his new teammates in the USA for the pre-season tour, he didn’t feature in a friendly against Liverpool
Speaking in his press conference after the match, Arteta said: “We had to manage him. He had a very busy 48 hours before he took his flight and joined us here, and then it was the jetlag, it’s a lot of things.
“He hasn’t trained with the team yet and we want to build him up slowly to get to know him first. We’ll have plenty of time to see him.”
Arsenal take on Bayer Leverkusen next Wednesday before they face off with Lyon for their final two pre-season matches.
Read more on Riccardo Calafiori’s start at Arsenal, here.
Martin Odegaard message after Liverpool match
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has sent a clear message to supporters after his side’s clash with Liverpool in a pre-season friendly.
Goals from Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho put the Merseyside outfit into the lead before the Gunners pulled one back through Havertz.
The match ended in a defeat though, with plenty of questions left for Arteta and his squad to answer by the time the Premier League is underway.
As quoted by the club’s official website, Odegaard said on the defeat: “I think it’s been a really great week-and-a-half. We’re getting fitter and fitter, getting that sharpness back.
“I think we’re getting ready, it’s not the moment to be at our top [level] but I think we’re going to time it well and be ready when it kicks off.”
Arsenal play two more pre-season matches before their first match of the campaign against Wolves.
Read more on Martin Odegaard’s message, here.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
