Take a look at a round-up of the latest Arsenal news, including updates on Mikel Arteta’s lesson, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Mikel Arteta ‘hires pickpockets’ to teach Arsenal lesson
Football coaches are often praised for their ability to use unconventional means to display a point to their players and staff.
Mikel Arteta is no different, having been seen playing Liverpool’s anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” during one training session to emulate the atmosphere of Anfield before a match.
It’s those methods that can often separate the top coaches from the rest, but it seems as though the Arsenal coach has taken it to the next level.
According to a report from The Athletic, Arteta hired professional pickpockets to try and take the belongings of some squad members during a meal.
When the players were asked to put their valuables on the table, it was revealed that they had been taken.
The reason behind this was to teach the Arsenal players that staying alert and prepared at all times is a necessary skill.
Read more on Mikel Arteta’s pickpocket lesson, here.
Oleksandr Zinchenko position hint
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has discussed the possibility of Oleksandr Zinchenko playing in midfield over the full-back position.
The former Manchester City defender has regularly played as a left-back, though his technical skills have often allowed him to invert into the midfield space.
While it’s a role that he has played well, many have called for the Ukraine international to be played permanently in the central positions from the start.
It’s a decision that has paid off on the international stage, with Zinchenko helping Ukraine reach Euro 2024.
However, it appears to be against the idea that Arteta has in mind as he told the press after the game: “Obviously he has played in midfield. But the main focus for him right now is playing as a full-back and the options and solutions he provides in that part.
“He knows the quality that he has, he knows the things he needs to improve. He’s another one that is really at it.”
It’s a clear claim from the manager that he will stick with the current roles in mind, which may come as a frustration to the Emirates Stadium faithful.
Read more on Oleksandr Zinchenko’s position, here.
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice sent Arsenal demand
Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have been urged to be ready for the new Premier League season, which kicks off next week.
The pair have been away on an extended break this summer, following on from their Euro 2024 journey with England.
Saka and Rice, along with Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya, arrived later than the rest of the squad in pre-season training.
That means they could all be behind the match fitness and sharpness required to kickstart the campaign in the best way possible.
While the outfield duo made appearances against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek and will be available to face Lyon in the Emirates Cup, there is pressure to be ready for the first match of the season.
Discussing Saka and Rice in pre-season, Arteta told the media: “The season starts in nine days so they have to be ready.
“This is the demand that they have right now so we will look after them every day they are with us.
“When we have the ability to give them days off we do, and we give them days off before the Euros. We have given them the rest that they needed.
“The best thing to do is look at their faces and see the spark in their eyes. Because they don’t want to miss it. They know how hard it’s going to be to come back.”
It shows how tough it may be for both players to make an ideal start to the season, especially if Arsenal are going to rely on them to be at their best.
However, other players may have a chance to step up if they are unable to get up to speed at the start.
Read more on Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice demand, here.
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