Arsenal: 4 main concerns in pre-season ahead of Premier League

2. Late Squad Arrivals

There are only three players yet to return to Arsenal following their international excursions, albeit at this stage technically only two.

We are going to include Ben White, though. Barring a medical catastrophe he will become an Arsenal player and he’s already touched down in London following the conclusion of his holidays to prepare for his official signing.

It’s clear just how vital this transfer is to Arteta. Arsenal have worked long and hard on getting this deal done and will part with their fourth highest transfer fee in history, and their most ever for a defender. White is a key addition.

Given he will arrive late with the squad it will take longer than desired for him to absorb Arteta’s ideas, build up his fitness and integrate within his new teammates. He’s clearly arriving as a first team starter and his experience of the Premier League should make for a smoother transition, yet a few extra weeks on the training pitch would have been desired.

As for Bukayo Saka, it’s impossible not to miss him in the team. When the Player of the Season features, Arsenal are better for it. It’s as simple as that.

The squad is still well-stocked. Pepe, Smith Rowe and, potentially, Gabriel Martinelli can fill in depending on other factors. And while it’s not leaving Arsenal bare, you don’t lose Saka without missing something.

Granit Xhaka is also back in north London. He’ll be gone before the opener.