Arteta confirms triple Arsenal boost but admits some players 'have to move'

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi are available for Arsenal’s Community Shield meeting with Manchester City on Sunday.

The Premier League champions travel to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff for their first competitive fixture of 2026-27, with Arteta targeting another trophy after ending Arsenal’s 22-year wait for the league title last season.

Saka, Rice and Zubimendi returned later than several team-mates following their World Cup involvement, but all three trained on Friday and are expected to be involved if they respond well to Saturday’s session.

“They will be available,” Arteta said. “They trained with us today, they will train tomorrow, and if they are in the condition that we expect them to be, they will be involved.”

There was less encouraging news concerning Arsenal’s defensive options, with William Saliba still facing a lengthy absence and Jurrien Timber several weeks away from returning.

Timber is back working on the pitch and could resume group training next week, although Arteta stressed that Arsenal will be cautious following what he described as a long-term problem.

Attention also turned towards transfers, with Arsenal continuing to explore further additions despite already strengthening significantly this summer.

The club have recently been linked with Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa among other defensive options, but Arteta refused to discuss individual targets.

“What I can tell you is the ambition of the club, it’s big,” he said. “We want to improve the squad, we want to evolve the squad.”

Arteta also acknowledged that departures are possible before the window closes, admitting there are “certain players that probably have to move” as Arsenal attempt to finalise their squad.

Another significant talking point concerned Ethan Nwaneri, whose future could depend on whether Arsenal can provide sufficient first-team football following his loan spell with Marseille last season.

Arteta made clear that he wants the 19-year-old to remain at Arsenal but said regular minutes must be central to any decision.

“If he stays here, it’s because we can guarantee that he can have those minutes,” the manager explained.

Max Dowman’s position appears more straightforward, with Arteta confirming that the 16-year-old is “100 per cent” part of the senior setup following an impressive pre-season.

Arteta also paid a glowing tribute to Pep Guardiola ahead of facing a Manchester City team now managed by Enzo Maresca.

The Arsenal manager described his mentor as “the best coach in the history of football” and credited Guardiola with raising standards throughout the Premier League during his decade in England.

However, sentiment will be put aside in Cardiff as Arsenal attempt to begin their title defence with silverware.

Arteta said the squad’s hunger has been evident since returning for pre-season and insisted Sunday’s objective is straightforward: produce their best performance immediately and lift the first trophy available.

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