Pain in the Arsenal
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3 Arsenal players that need to impress in pre-season

By James Cormack

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on March 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on March 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
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Folarin Balogun could be sold for a big fee this summer. (Photo by Sylvain Lefevre/Getty Images)
Folarin Balogun could be sold for a big fee this summer. (Photo by Sylvain Lefevre/Getty Images) /

3. Eddie Nketiah & Folarin Balogun

This is arguably the most intriguing sub-plot of Arsenal’s pre-season. Eddie Nketiah vs Folarin Balogun: who stays and who goes?

While Arsenal would be wise to sell Balogun given his current value after an excellent season in Ligue 1, the striker is expected to get a chance to impress in pre-season and he could emerge as Gabriel Jesus’ deputy come the start of 2023/24 should he outshine Nketiah this summer.

Eddie, who ably filled in for Jesus last term, still has plenty to prove at the highest level despite his distinct improvement over the past 18 months and many supporters believe Balogun is the superior option. However, the USMNT forward is unlikely to be content with playing a supporting role next season when he could be leading the line at a potentially significant European club.

It still seems likely that Nketiah will remain and Balogun will depart, but Arteta’s mind could be swayed should the latter star in pre-season.

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