Arsenal vs Hibernian: 3 fairly meaningless pre-season talking points

2. Players Playing for Their Futures and Transfer Moves

For Harry Clarke in defence it’s very likely he’ll be moving out on loan again after an impressive spell with Oldham last season but for many of the first team players their futures look destined to be away from north London.

Eddie Nketiah was guilty of a glaring miss in the opening stages that Arteta will be hoping Patrick Vieira or David Moyes weren’t paying attention to, in what was an otherwise lively first half outing for the striker.

To his side Nelson showed glimpses of his technical ability and is also set for a move elsewhere, either on loan or otherwise, and in midfield Ainsley Maitland-Niles was given another crack of the central whip, which while only an insignificant 45 minutes against Hibernian, could be kept throughout pre-season to entice bidders.

Looking at the team that lined up, only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be starting Premier League matches next season. Well, it’s hoped so, as without any midfielders Mohamed Elneny could well be starting out alongside Thomas Partey.

Kolasinac is another who will be moved on and, in truth, was probably Arsenal’s best player in the first half before he started blowing. Played further forward than Maitland-Niles or Willian. The team that came out for the second half was closer to what Arsenal will look like come Brentford on the opening day.