Arsenal pre‑season push and new signings aim to shape next campaign

Arsenal's pre‑season schedule sees the Gunners face Girona in Spain on August 1, followed by friendlies against Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund and Como before the Community Shield clash with Manchester City. Fringe players such as defender Cristhian Mosquera and midfielder Myles Lewis‑Skelly are under pressure to secure regular places, with Mosquera expected to partner Gabriel in central defence while Lewis‑Skelly looks to cement a midfield role.

In the transfer market, Arsenal have confirmed the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie and added backup goalkeeper Illan Meslier. The club also secured Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for a reported £34 million, describing him as a long‑term replacement for Leandro Trossard. Despite a reportedly large budget exceeding £250 million, Arsenal have yet to fill key positions in defence, central midfield and left wing, and missed out on targets such as Morgan Rogers and Jeremy Monga.