Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said some players could leave the club before the transfer window closes, although he believes the squad is in a strong position ahead of the new season.
Speaking before Sunday’s Community Shield against Manchester City, Arteta said Arsenal remained open to opportunities in the market as they continue to assess their options.
“It’s always the case; there’s an opportunity there to go both ways, and we’ll have to see how the market responds and what we as a club can do,” Arteta said.
The Arsenal manager said the transfer window gives clubs a chance to evaluate their squads and make changes before the campaign gathers pace.
“It’s a very exciting part of the season, when a lot of things happen,” he said. “I think you create excitement; there’s an opportunity as well to evolve. There’s also a good way to understand what every player is feeling.”
Arteta said Arsenal are aiming to put themselves in the best possible position to compete across all competitions.
“We are trying the maximum that we can to end up in 14 days, 13 days in the best possible condition to compete for every possible competition,” he said.
Asked whether the club would need to sell players, Arteta said departures remained possible.
“We have certain possibilities that we can explore if the right possibilities come across,” he said. “But so far, with the numbers we have, we are happy; obviously, we need to accept that certain players will probably have to move.”
Arteta declined to comment on reports linking Arsenal with specific defenders. He said the club had identified areas of the squad that could be strengthened but added that improving the performances of current players remained the priority.
He also addressed Ethan Nwaneri’s future, saying he wants the teenager to remain at Arsenal but stressed that regular football would be important.
“Ethan needs to play football, and if he stays here, it’s because we can guarantee that he can have those minutes,” Arteta said. “Otherwise, it’s just something that is not good for anybody.”
Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi are available for the Community Shield after training with the squad.
However, he said Jurrien Timber is still several weeks away from returning, while William Saliba’s injury remains a longer-term concern.
