Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is raring to go as the Gunners closed out their pre-season as Emirates Cup champions.
The North London club beat Lyon at home to claim the annual trophy and Arteta was full of positivity when asked about his thoughts heading into the new Premier League campaign.
Last season’s second-placed side are finally back to full strength with the likes of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba returning from their late holidays, while new signing Riccardo Calafiori also had a chance to impress at his new home.
Speaking after the match, Arteta said: “I think overall it’s been a really positive pre-season with the tour and the club and a lot of people put a lot of effort into making it work.
“I think it was a success again and then the two games that we have played here as well, really competitive and really good.
“I think the team was exceptional, especially in the first half. There were moments where we played at the highest level and then we sort of maintained it.
“We dropped a little bit in the second half. The conditions were tough, but it was a good match for us as well. So overall, very pleased.”
Calafiori joined Arsenal from Bologna this summer after impressing with Italy at Euro 2024.
He is expected to play at left-back, competing with Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
On the Italian, Arteta added: “He brings a lot of versatility, because he can play in two or three different positions and especially in attack, he can occupy different spaces because he’s a real defender.
“When you see his presence, his physicality, how he goes to the duels, he’s unbelievable. Obviously, he’s done a lot last year and I think he’s a player that can improve us.
“I just love it. When the supporters react like that to one of our own it’s great.
“The way you feel it straight away, it’s love, he’s respected and they’re right behind you. That’s an unbelievable platform for many players to join our club.”
