Mikel Arteta has handed out competitive debuts to two of his five Arsenal summer signings so far this season and there is a chance that number could increase against Bournemouth at the weekend.
Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have made an immediate impact since joining from Manchester City with the Brazilian opening his account in the 4-2 win over Leicester City last time out after the latter had claimed an assist for Gabriel Martinelli in the first game of the campaign against Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, an injury-disrupted pre-season has denied Fabio Vieira a chance to get a run-out for the senior side, Marquinhos is slowly being eased in after impressing with the Arsenal Under-21s and Matt Turner will likely have to wait until the Europa League gets underway for his debut.
With that said, even if none of the aforementioned trio make an appearance on the South Coast, there is still a chance that Arteta will have the option of handing out another Arsenal debut against the Cherries on Saturday – but only if one condition is met around 24 hours before kick-off.
Now, there has been talk this week of technical director Edu wrapping up the club’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window amid strong links to Villarreal youngster Yeremy Pino, Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and a surprise name in Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Should the Gunners reach an agreement with any one of the respective clubs, there’s a scenario – albeit an unlikely one – where Arteta has at least one new signing available for selection as Arsenal go in search of making it three wins from three at the start of the Premier League season.
As per the Premier League regulations, the Gunners would have to register any new signing(s), by 12pm on Friday, August 19 for him to be available for selection against Scott Parker’s side.
A statement reads: ‘Subject to the provisions of Rule V.1, the deadline for receipt by the Board of all duly completed documents required by these Rules to effect the registration of a Player shall be 12 noon on the last Working Day before the date of the first League Match in which the Club making the application intends him to play, save that the international transfer certificate and evidence of eligibility to take up employment in the United Kingdom (in both cases if applicable) may be provided thereafter (but must be provided before the Player is eligible to play for a Club in a League Match).’
Given Arsenal’s focus since signing Zinchenko just under a month ago has been player sales, the fact that no deal for a potential incoming appears imminent at the moment indicates, barring a major surprise, Arteta will choose from the same pool of players that featured against Leicester for the game at Bournemouth.
