Arsenal welcomed four new faces to their first team squad in the recent summer transfer window.
Whilst Raheem Sterling and goalkeeper Neto signed for Arsenal on loan from fellow Premier League clubs, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino joined on a permanent basis from elsewhere in Europe.
As such, Merino and Calafiori face a greater adjustment and challenge to settle in North London and bed in to Mikel Arteta’s ranks.
So far, the duo look to have quickly found their feet at the Emirates Stadium. Calafiori has already impressed Arsenal fans, and truly announced his arrival in style with a stunning goal against Manchester City.
Meanwhile, having been made to wait due to injury, Merino was finally able to make his debut for Arsenal recently. The Spanish midfielder will now be desperate to kick on and show what he can do throughout the rest of the season.
Gabriel Martinelli lifts lid on welcome for Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori
Finding form on the pitch is a big part of becoming comfortable at a new club, but what goes on behind the scenes and on the training pitch is also hugely important during the settling in process.
Gabriel Martinelli has now assured Arsenal fans that the players already at the club gave Merino and Calafiori a warm welcome upon their arrival.
Speaking to Football.London, the Brazilian winger said: “We try to make them feel at home as soon as possible – I know how hard it is to come from another country and settle at a new club, so we just try to make them feel at home as much as possible. Mikel and Rico [Calafiori] are really nice guys and we are really happy for them.”
Arsenal discover new combination
Meanwhile, Martinelli looks to have found form himself recently, and will certainly benefit personally from having Calafiori and Merino on the pitch with him, as both players will make the left-hand side of Arteta’s team more cohesive.
At left-back, Calafiori has already shown a willingness to push forward and create space for, and combine with, Martinelli.
Meanwhile, Merino will be expected to soon lock down the left-eight midfield berth as his own, and from there he will be perfectly placed to carve out opportunities for the winger.
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