Pre-season is finally here and some of the Arsenal squad will return today for the first sessions of the preparation for the 2022/23 season. Some players have been granted an extended holiday having taken part in international football at the conclusion of the campaign.
The likes of Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli and many more enjoyed their time with their international teammates although the results did not always fall their way. The initial return will have a lot of focus on getting the Arsenal players back up to full fitness.
However, there is an awkward element regarding the pre-season return for some. Many of the squad are still expected to leave and some are determined to find a way out of the side. Yet, having not played internationally, they are due to return to north London at the earliest designated date.
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Below is a list of the four main candidates who could be feeling a little strange to be stepping back through the club’s doors. That said, the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Lucas Torreira and Alex Runarsson were all called up for their national teams and are unlikely to be back early despite links with potential exits.
Hector Bellerin is the first and obvious candidate. He went on loan to Real Betis prior to being replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu and after winning the Copa del Rey his future seems almost certain to be away from north London.
“For now, I have to go back (to London)," he told Betis TV via Sportshala. “I have spoken with the two clubs, and I have made my position clear to them.
“There are two months ahead to look for the best start for everyone. I made an effort to come, and I am willing to make any effort so that this continues to be my home because I am happy.
“It is also true that I had very nice moments in London, in England. Arsenal has given me a lot; the opportunity to be a professional. If I leave it, it will be difficult, but hopefully, everything goes as we want.”
Betis’ financial issues however are a problem. Atletico Madrid and Roma are also keeping tabs on the situation though, but Bellerin will be at Arsenal’s training ground to prepare for the new season.
Secondly is Bernd Leno. There is not much awkwardness about the situation with the German international having played well when called upon last season.
However, the club this morning announced his expected replacement in Matt Turner. With the two training together until Leno sorts his future out there might be some slight awkwardness, however.
Fulham are the main candidates to secure the German goalkeeper. The Athletic reported the club's interest some weeks ago but there has been little movement since then.
Thirdly is Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Spending last season on loan with Roma after joining Jose Mourinho’s side in January, a move that was criticised by many Arsenal fans after the Gunners suddenly became short in midfield due to the Africa Cup of Nations, injury and the suspension of Granit Xhaka.
Maitland-Niles took to Instagram at the end of the summer window of 2021 to plead publicly for his departure. Now back at the club again with little chance of having serious involvement with the side next season, it looks to be a slightly awkward welcome back ahead of what will surely be his last pre-season preparation as a Gunner.
Lastly is Pablo Mari. It was reported that the Spaniard wanted to remain in Serie A with Udinese. However, Mari has been unable to see this move through due to the Italian side’s uncertainty. There has been interest from elsewhere but so far nothing concrete has happened, and Mari will be expected to return.
With Arsenal heavily interested in left-footed centre-back Lisandro Martinez, it is highly unlikely that Mikel Arteta sees a future for Mari and a departure is still certainly on the agenda. That said, any awkwardness is likely to be kept to a minimum with Mari a well-liked member of the squad.
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