Pundit says he’s seen something at Arsenal during pre-season that has really ‘bothered’ him

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Arsenal have two friendlies remaining in pre-season before the 2025/26 Premier League calendar commences.

All eyes are on Mikel Arteta as the Arsenal manager aims to win the Premier League title after three consecutive second-place finishes. 

There’s little room for error in the Premier League, as the Gunners have learned, with plenty at stake with the new season in sight.

There have been lots of pointers from Arsenal’s pre-season action, where the North Londoners have won twice and lost once. 

Tony Cascarino is bothered by Gabriel Magalhaes’ absence 

Last time out, Arsenal suffered defeat to Tottenham in the first overseas North London Derby, which was played in Hong Kong.

Now, the squad are preparing to return to the Emirates, with clashes against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao coming up next.

Arsenal’s work in pre-season was a talking point on talkSPORT, as former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino revealed what’s been really bothering him. 

“One downside for Arsenal is Gabriel hasn’t appeared yet, and I’d be bothered by that,” he said.

“Gabriel is really important; his partnership with Saliba, I think Gabriel is big for them. Arsenal are going to be a really good side this year.”

Gabriel Magalhaes has featured in pre-season, taking part in a behind-closed-doors fixture against Watford, but hasn’t been seen since. 

The Brazilian suffered a hamstring injury last term, which required surgery to fix, extending his layoff into the summer. 

Arteta revealed that Gabriel suffered a niggle in training before the game against AC Milan, explaining his absence from the action in Asia.

Cascarino admitted he’d be concerned about Gabriel’s lack of action in pre-season ahead of the opener at Old Trafford, but insisted that the defender’s return could allow things to fall into place for Arsenal.

“All this talk about being a ‘nearly’ team, this year, they’ve got a side that absolutely can challenge for the title and have a bit more conviction towards the end of the season. I think that’s all in place now.” 

Cascarino is fearful of Arsenal 

Predictions about whether Arsenal can win the league this season have already started flooding in.

When speaking on talkSPORT, Cascarino gave his verdict, admitting that ‘as a Liverpool fan’, he’s most wary of Arteta’s side.

“If you said to me, Who would I be more fearful of, of any team, I’d say Arsenal, as a Liverpool fan, Arsenal concern me; they are a really good side.”

The former Ireland international applauded the business Arsenal have done this summer, with his only complaint so far being the absence of Gabriel.