Things appear to be going well for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal this summer.
The Gunners arena the verge of signing Declan Rice from London rivals West Ham, have already secured Kai Havertz from Chelsea, and any other transfer pursuits that they are conducting appear to be for players that are a clear upgrade on those whom they are set to replace.
Success isn’t guaranteed of course, but at least the north Londoners appear to be doing everything they can to keep themselves at the top end of the Premier League when the season begins again in a few weeks time.
One player that could shortly return and who will feel like a new signing to Arteta is centre-back, William Saliba.
The Frenchman was injured against Sporting during a Europa League tie last season, and his absence thereafter had a marked effect on how Arsenal played from that point.
It’s difficult to say how much closer to the title Arsenal would’ve got with Saliba in situ, but it’s likely that it wouldn’t have been the procession it eventually became for Man City.
The Evening Standard (subscription required) have reported that Saliba has returned to doing some gym work ahead of the pre-season tour, and that can only bode well for the Gunners.
It isn’t yet clear how much of a part, if any, the defender will play during pre-season, though if he’s ready for the start of the Premier League campaign, that’ll be a huge boost to Arteta and the team in general.
Saliba and Saka are AFCs Talismen when they play the team seem stronger.
During this past season, anyone thinking of Arsenal defence would have Saliba in that mental image. So crucial did he make himself that in every defensive moment, everyone would immediately start looking for Saliba’s position and predict his direction of movement. When he was injured, the weight of defence collapsed on the shoulders Gabriel. Now that he’s almost in time for preseason, Arsenal can dream again even if Timber’s ghost was hovering over The Emirates. Arsenal did remarkably well defensively and only suffered because of injuries and lack of reliable backup. This coming season will be different.