3 things to watch out for as Arsenal face Bayer Leverkusen in pre-season

For the first time since 19 May, Mikel Arteta's showtime Arsenal are in action at the Emirates.

We've enjoyed an abundance of football over the summer, including the Gunners' tour of the United States, but the return of Arteta's Arsenal to N5 signals to nearing of a new campaign. The 2024/25 season is just around the corner.

Arsenal endured a mixed tour in terms of results, ending their venture with a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, but there's still a chance for the title hopefuls to head into the fresh season with plenty of positive momentum behind them.

A blockbuster friendly beckons on Wednesday evening as Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen come to town. Here are three things to look out for during the upcoming pre-season friendly.

1. Granit Xhaka's return

After enjoying the most productive season of his Arsenal career in 2022/23, Xhaka opted for pastures new and, in fairness, he chose an excellent next destination.

The loveable Swiss rogue teamed up with Xabi Alonso in Leverkusen upon his Bundesliga return and immediately became a staple of the Spaniard's all-conquering unit. Xhaka made 50 appearances in Alonso's midfield pivot as Leverkusen won the Bundesliga title unbeaten and lifted the DFB-Pokal.

Xhaka was an instrumental figure last season, and he returns to the Emirates having enjoyed a remarkable renaissance in north London under Arteta. Once booed amid a period of rife toxicity, the midfielder blossomed into a celebrated part of Arteta's ever-evolving project before his departure.

"When you play at a club for seven years, the return is always special," Xhaka said ahead of Wednesday's game.

“Especially because of the people from before. I had a wonderful time at Arsenal and still have daily contact with many of the players and staff."

Xhaka's reception will be warm in N5, and the midfielder will be aware of the challenge he and his midfield partners have in taming the likes of Martin Odegaard.

2. Other homecomings

It really is a game of homecomings on Wednesday evening. As well as Xhaka, Leverkusen's Nathan Tella is returning to the club with which he spent a decade of his youth career.

Tella joined Arsenal when he was seven, progressed through the ranks with Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock, before moving on in 2017. The nimble forward spent six years at Southampton, but a superb loan spell at Burnley convinced Leverkusen to make a move last summer and Tella emerged as a handy rotational piece for Alonso. The 25-year-old scored five Bundesliga goals in 24 games last season.

Tella has played against the Gunners at the Emirates with Southampton, but Wednesday is nonetheless a special occasion for the former Hale End starlet.

“Wednesday’s game definitely feels like a homecoming for me,” he told arsenal.com. “I'm still an Arsenal fan and I always look out for Arsenal's results. The club means a lot to me."

On the opposite side, Kai Havertz faces his former club for the first time since leaving Germany.

3. Riccardo Calafiori debut

It's been a quiet summer for the Gunners, with the club making just the one addition to complement the permanent arrival of David Raya.

Riccardo Calafiori completed his switch to Arsenal midway through the club's US tour, and the Italian joined his new teammates out in the States ahead of their final outing against Liverpool. However, Arteta opted against handing Calafiori his first unofficial appearance for the club.

Calafiori has continued to train back at London Colney, and it's very much expected that the versatile defensive operator will be in action on Wednesday night in front of a sold-out Emirates.

The Italian will be eased into a new way of life, but this may well be the start of an incredibly exciting career for the young defender in north London. It'll be fascinating to see how Arteta goes about using his new unicorn.

READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS HERE!