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Four Arsenal players to look out for in pre-season opener against Girona

Arsenal begin pre-season against Girona and there are four players to look out for
Dowman ready to impress
Dowman ready to impress | Stuart MacFarlane/GettyImages

Arsenal start their pre-season campaign with a friendly against Girona on Saturday and as is always the case during preparations, every player will be looking to impress.

With several key players yet to return from holiday following World Cup action, Mikel Arteta will field what players he has available before potentially turning to back-up options, including academy stars, when the time comes later in the game.

Every squad member will be eager to show the manager what they can do, but there are four Gunners in particular who fans should be looking out for against the Catalan side.


Four Arsenal players to look out for against Girona

1. Max Dowman

Maybe the most exciting prospect heading into the new season, supporters will be eager to get a glimpse of what Max Dowman can offer during the 2026/27 campaign.

Having enjoyed a breakthrough term full of record-breaking moments last year, the Hale End star has the opportunity to make an even greater impact this time round, and that begins in pre-season.

The 16-year-old is lined up for a start on the right wing against Girona and he should take the chance to show Arteta that he is ready for more this season.


2. Ethan Nwaneri

Ethan Nwaneri's Arsenal future is currently very uncertain. After falling down the pecking order last season and an uneventful loan spell with Marseille, he has a task to prove his worth once again.

The Gunners currently don't want to sell the Premier League's youngest ever player, but if he fails to show what he can do in pre-season, most fans can imagine it will at least be considered.

Potentially set for the number 10 role from the off tomorrow, Nwaneri needs to make the most of his chance and make it clear that he has something to give his side and is ready to fight his way back into the squad.


3. Cristhian Mosquera

With William Saliba expected to be absent for an extended period, the right centre back position is up for grabs and Cristhian Mosquera is arguably the best contender to step into the Frenchman's place.

The ex-Valencia defender impressed in his debut season in North London and his role looks set to be even more crucial this campaign.

Mosquera should start in defence and will be looking to show Arteta that he can stand in for Saliba amid rumours the club are searching for defensive reinforcements.


4. Christos Tzolis

Christos Tzolis was Arsenal's first major signing of the summer and he is likely to start against Girona as he looks to take the first opportunity to show Arteta and the fanbase what he can do.

He arrives from Club Brugge with plenty of promise and should be able to make an impact on the left wing.

With Vinicius Junior linked to the club, Tzolis could already have big competition for the starting spot so will need to show just how much he can offer the Gunners.

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