Arsenal vs Hibernian: 5 players to look out for in pre-season clash

4. Joe Willock – Central Midfield

Reports have begun to emerge that Joe Willock is set to stay at Arsenal with the Gunners due to shun the advances of interested parties unless a ‘crazy’ offer makes its way to north London – and it’s money Newcastle don’t look like having.

Those reports have been followed up by The Northern Echo, who add that Arteta looks increasingly likely to keep the Hale Ender this summer. It’s just reward for his sensational loan spell with the Magpies but also likely to be due to feasibility this window.

Selling Willock, while financially beneficial, would force Arteta to bring in an even greater number midfielders to supplement the large amount of departures, a formidable task considering not one has be signed thus far.

What will be interesting with Willock is how he’s used. The main concerns about keeping hold of him are suitability: does Arteta switch to a 4-3-3 to accommodate him or does he need more time to practice as one half of a double pivot?

Pre-season should offer an indication of what is in the manager’s mind for Willock. While we can never delve too deeply into formations and the like, individual roles can be looked at and the midfielder will be watched closely.

Equally, if it looks as if the 21-year-old struggles to find his niche alongside Thomas Partey or in Arteta’s system then it could prompt a rethink for this summer window.