Thirteen Arsenal players will remain with the club this summer as two overlooked talents compete for roster spots.
The summer has arrived, and unlike last year, football fans will have plenty to watch with two major tournaments set to start next month. The European Championships in Germany begin on June 14 and end on July 14, while the Copa America in the United States starts on June 20 and also concludes on July 14.
Arsenal will have many players participating for their respective nations, and Mikel Arteta has mentioned how these competitions might affect potential transfers. As the team improves, fewer stars will remain in north London over the summer. However, several players will stay behind to train with Arteta and begin pre-season preparations.
David Raya’s loan is expiring, but his deal is expected to be made permanent. He and Aaron Ramsdale will likely attend the Euros, being part of the Spain and England squads as backup goalkeepers. Unai Simon and Jordan Pickford currently keep them out of the starting eleven, but both aim to challenge for starting roles soon. Estonia’s Karl Hein will be the most senior goalkeeper remaining with the team.
Ben White, Ramsdale’s England teammate, will not join the Three Lions unless his stance on the national team changes. Gareth Southgate revealed White made himself unavailable for selection, so he is expected to stay with compatriots Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, and Reiss Nelson, who haven’t played enough to earn call-ups.
Gabriel Magalhaes’ participation is uncertain due to a shoulder injury in the season’s final game. Oleksandr Zinchenko, who replaced him, will head to Germany with Ukraine for the Euros. Gabriel Jesus, like Tottenham’s Richarlison, was not called up for the Copa America and will remain in London. However, Gabriel Martinelli will fly to the United States for the tournament.
Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares, after loan spells at Luton Town and Nottingham Forest, do not expect call-ups to the Belgian and Portugal squads, similar to Fabio Vieira, who needs a strong pre-season to re-enter contention for the upcoming campaign.
Club captain Martin Odegaard will stay behind as Norway did not qualify for the Euros, despite his and Erling Haaland’s efforts. Jurrien Timber was not called up by the Netherlands due to injury, although he returned for the final game of the season.
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey will also return for pre-season as Japan and Ghana participated in the Asia Cup and Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. Arteta has plenty of players to work with for the pre-season tour of the United States, and any new signings not involved with their national teams will join as well.