Mikel Arteta spoke to the media following Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Lyon in the Emirates Cup at Emirates Stadium.
He discussed the future of Eddie Nketiah, the performance levels and the huge welcome for Riccardo Calafiori.
The Gunners started the game on the front foot and were rewarded for their efforts as Declan Rice delivered a perfect inswinging cross for William Saliba to head into the net.
Arsenal then doubled their lead, courtesy of another goal from a set piece. Gabriel this time met Rice’s precise corner with a close-range header.
The second half was slightly quieter as the intensity slowed down. The main highlight was Calafiori’s debut and he played at both left-back and centre-back.
Emirates Cup winners ✊ pic.twitter.com/hYvbwZEAk1
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 11, 2024
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No involvement for Nketiah
Nketiah was not involved in the match and that led to questions surrounding his future at the club.
The England striker remained on the bench amidst ongoing speculation about a potential transfer to Marseille.
Arteta said: “All the players that are here there’s biggest chance that they stay with us. That’s why they’re here.”
While it’s not quite clear what the Arsenal boss meant by this, the French club continue to work on a deal with a few weeks remaining in the transfer window.
Arteta then went on to discuss the game: “Really good test today again. Overall it’s been a really positive pre-season. I think the tour was a success and then the two games we’ve played here were really competitive. The team was exceptional, especially in the first half where we reached moments of the highest quality.”
