Here is your Arsenal morning digest for Friday, June 5.
Arteta has already outlined Saka vision
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has already outlined his vision for youngster Bukayo Saka, as Andy Ha writes.
The Gunners return to Premier League action after three months off against second-place Manchester City on June 17 and one man who is set to play a key role against Pep Guardiola’s side is Saka.
The academy graduate has been forced to fill in as a left-back with injuries keeping Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney out of action, but now that Arteta has a fully-fit squad, we could see Saka a bit further up the field.
His attacking exploits have been so impressive and he has shown time and time again his ability to whip a deadly cross into the box.
It seems Arteta has already given away his vision for the 18-year-old after a video was released from their training session with Saka working with Arsenal’s forwards.
Guardiola drops hint of how City could line up
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has potentially given his former colleague Arteta a hint to how his team could line up when they face Arsenal on June 17.
After their original fixture was postponed due to the Carabao Cup final, City will welcome the Gunners to the Etihad later this month.
Ahead of the Premier League’s planned restart, the champions have held practice matches so their players can return to peak fitness again.
Manchester Evening News are reporting that Guardiola arranged a practice match with his squad split in half, which could give Arteta an indication of how his countryman will line up.
In the orange team was: Ederson, Kyle Walker, Nicolas Otamendi, Fernandinho, Aleks Zinchenko, Tommy Doyle, David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Felix Nmecha, Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero.
Whilst the white team was: Scott Carson, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Eric Garcia, Aymeric Laporte, Benjamin Mendy, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez, Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus.
Nine subs Arteta must name
The Premier League announced on Thursday that teams will be allowed to make five substitutions once the season restarts, as opposed to the usual three.
This is to do with fitness levels being nowhere near maximum following the UK being on lockdown due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Arsenal manager Arteta will have nine players to choose from once the game is in the latter stages and the Gunners need some inspiration.
As James Benge of football.london writes, there are certain players the Spaniard must choose on the bench.
