3 Arsenal players who should be given an opportunity in pre-season

Arsenal have scheduled four friendlies before they face Manchester City on 6 August in the Community Shield.

The Gunners have prepared to face a group of teams with mixed ability, starting by facing Nürnberg before playing the MLS All-Stars, Manchester United and Barcelona ahead of their clash with AS Monaco in the Emirates Cup.

Although pre-season is great to boost players’ fitness and practice certain tactical ideologies and setups, it also gives a chance for youngsters and unknown qualities to prove themselves in a non-competitive setting.

However, only 11 players can be on the pitch at a time, and to ensure the best results, Mikel Arteta must manage his substitutes and game plan to allow an opportunity for as many players as possible.

With that, here are three players that should be given a chance to impress Arteta and make a last attempt to see themselves in and around the squad next year.

3 Arsenal players who should be given an opportunity in pre-season

1. Folarin Balogun

The American striker has just come back from a season-long loan in Ligue 1 where he played a big role in Stade de Reims’ record-breaking campaign. Throughout his time in the French top flight, Balogun led the league’s golden boot record for part of the season but he was overtaken in the latter stages and he ended the season in fourth.

Now, as America’s starter, Balogun has rejoined the Gunners and after training at London Colney and travelling to Germany, he deserves an opportunity to impress. After netting 21 goals last season, it is only fair that the Hale End graduate is given a chance in pre-season.

Even with Gabriel Jesus’ place all but cemented, this fixture-congested year will undoubtedly see regular starters rotated and if he proves himself, Balogun could knock Eddie Nketiah down the pecking order and start fairly regularly.

Continued on the next slide…