5 Arsenal players with something to prove in pre-season

The 2022 summer transfer window is now underway and with the two Premier League pacesetters wasting no time in their pursuits of necessary embellishments, Arsenal fans will hope to see similar prudence from their team as we aim to avoid a repeat of last season’s dismal start.

Preparations for the new campaign will begin shortly as the Gunners are scheduled to report back for pre-season training on June 27, and excitement continues to mount in anticipation of the quality and depth to be brought by prospective new faces.

However, there are also a number of players already on the books who will be eager to impress in the off season and prove to Mikel Arteta that they have what it takes to compete for a place in his starting XI.

5 players who will have a point to prove when Arsenal return for pre-season later this month

For both the old and the new, the beginning of a new chapter beckons and, as first-team circumstances change and many players return from their respective loans, here are five stars who may have a point to prove in the upcoming pre-season camp.

1. Brooke Norton-Cuffy

He rose through the Arsenal ranks at a youth level and has just enjoyed a breakthrough year at Lincoln City in League One. But now Brooke Norton-Cuffy is back and will target senior football ahead of the next campaign.

A technically-gifted full-back who also has pace to burn and is a physical match for any opponent, Norton-Cuffy developed superbly during his short 6-month spell at Sincil Bank and lower-division experience with a side that likes to build from the back should stand him in good stead for his return.

The ‘Islington Alves’ has spoken of the pleasure he takes in fulfilling his defensive duties. But he also loves to drive forward and contribute in advanced positions, efforts that earned the respect and admiration of boss Michael Appleton who once described him as an “outstanding” player.

And Norton-Cuffy’s progress with the Imps has not gone unnoticed at Arsenal, with the youngster being awarded the club’s Scholar of the Year prize in May. Recent reports suggest interest was staved off from both home and abroad to convince him to sign a new contract – which is expected to be announced imminently.

Perhaps another loan could be in the offing, but right-back is an area that could be improved upon and Norton-Cuffy certainly has the raw ingredients to thrive there.

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