The games with Girona, Betis, Dortmund, and Como weren't great and didn't tell us much. Arteta got a look at some of the academy products and he introduced some of the regulars into competitive games. Is the Community Shield the last preseason game or the start of our season? Arteta will want to win it.
We acquired Tzolis early in the transfer window and he looked really good in preseason. He'll have to be, because he's replacing Trossard, who was sold. The Vinicius Junior saga ended fairly quickly, fortunately. Of course he's a wonderful player, but the price and the salary would have caused problems. Buying Guimaraes was a shrewd move. He's an expensive 28 year old, but he provides more bite in midfield and has an eye for the killer pass. Our midfield is incredibly strong. We have excellent players who will struggle to get minutes. Zubimendi, Merino, Lewis-Skelly, and Eze will have to scrap for playing time, if we don't sell one or two of them. Another crowded position is right wing, where Saka is first choice but Madueke, Nwaneri, and Dowman will all feel as though they should be used there. I'd love to see some rotation to keep Saka fresh and healthy while giving Dowman a chance to develop with us. Nwaneri should be loaned out.
Saliba's bad back has us looking to buy a center back, and with Timber and White having their own fitness issues, that center back will probably be a right footer who can play at right back. Konsa is the target. Marli Salmon and Christian Mosquera are great prospects who can fill the bill, but who may be too young to entrust with that responsibility just yet. Hincapie is ours permanently now, and let's hope Calafiori stays fit. We even strengthened at GK, with Meslier coming in and looking more secure than Kepa, who is still ours for now. Neither will challenge Raya, of course.
Even if we don't sign any other players, I like our chances to retain the title. We'd have to be the favorites now, but every squad has strengthened and I expect a real dogfight for top spot all season. I'll leave you with this fashion bulletin.
