Arsenal return to Premier League action this afternoon (Sunday) after the first international break of the new season, traveling to Merseyside to play Everton.
Arsenal returns to Premier League action this weekend after an international break. Mikel Arteta faces some difficult decisions as he prepares a strategy to overcome his side’s dismal run of success at Goodison Park in previous years.
Fortunately for the Gunners manager, it can be claimed that his position has been made slightly simpler with the final summer transfer news, as Nicolas Pepe became the latest senior player to depart, with his switch to Turkish club Trabzonspor completed last week.
When speaking for the first time since the transfer was announced, Arteta expressed his disappointment that things were not going as planned for the Ivory Coast star, who joined Arsenal for £72 million in the summer of 2019: “Yes, but there are obviously moments for players,” the Spaniard told reporters. “Not only for him, but also for Rob and the others who have gone on loan.”
You have an emotional tie to them and have tried to get the best out of them, yet there are instances when you can love the player but there is another player who plays in same position who is equally as good. There are many factors, but we certainly wish them the best and hope they may pursue their aspirations elsewhere.”
Of course, with Pepe not appearing for Arsenal during pre-season, as well as Arteta’s decisions for the first four Premier League games, it would have been a major surprise if the winger was involved at Goodison Park if he was still at the club and available for selection.
having said that, his departure reduces the number of players arteta must leave in london when picking a 20-man squad for the journey to merseyside. in fact, if all 16 players return from international service unhurt, the gunners may be able to replicate what he did against manchester united.
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