Mikel Arteta has opened up about his communication with Arsenal’s Euro 2024 stars whilst making a statement about their return to the club.
Plenty of Arsenal players took part in international tournaments this summer.
Those who reached the latter stages of such a competition have been afforded an extended holiday, and have not yet rejoined with Mikel Arteta’s squad for pre-season.
However, a number of players who did play at Euro 2024 have already returned to Arsenal, as they played for nations who were eliminated in the earlier stages of the tournament.
The likes of Bukayo Saka, Aaron Ramsdale, Declan Rice, David Raya, William Saliba, Kai Havertz, as well as Copa America duo Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes, are all still enjoying a well-earned rest period, and will not feature for the Gunners during their pre-season tour of the US.
Due to this, plenty of Hale End academy talents have been called up to the squad that is currently in America. Arteta is now going to extraordinary lengths to get this somewhat makeshift Arsenal group to bond.
The manager will still be desperate to get the rest of his players back, though, and it is certainly a frustration that they are missing out on this crucial stage of preparations for the new campaign. Pre-season provides an opportunity for players to build up a base level of fitness that will help carry them through the season, and a chance for managers to test and experiment tactically.
Eager Euro 2024 stars will give Arsenal early boost
Speaking ahead of the Gunners’ upcoming friendly against Bournemouth, as quoted by the club’s official website, Arteta was asked if the Arsenal players involved in the latter stages of Euro 2024 will miss the start of the new domestic season.
The Spanish coach said: “I do not think so. Let’s see what condition they come back in. All of the messages I have got from them, they are really excited to come back and have a great season again. I do not expect anything else.”
Arsenal certainly need the likes of Saka, Havertz, Saliba, and Raya, as well as the others, to hit the ground running upon their return. The Gunners cannot afford to start slowly this season, as the margins at and the top end of the Premier League are so tight.
The fact that this group have already communicated how keen they are to get back to work in North London should give Arsenal fans plenty of optimism heading into the new campaign, when Arteta’s side will be aiming to challenge for the Premier League title once again.
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