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(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media, Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Fri 8 August 2025 19:00, UK

Arsenal will conclude their pre-season with an Emirates Cup clash against Athletic Bilbao which is Mikel Arteta’s final chance to look at his squad.

The Gunners fell to a surprise 3-2 defeat to Villarreal in North London in midweek, which has highlighted some defensive and offensive issues.

Odegaard’s relationship with Viktor Gyokeres will be key throughout the season, and Arteta will want to give the pair time together on the pitch in the final friendly.

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Gabriel Magalhaes played 30 minutes against Villarreal following a lengthy injury lay off, and the Brazilian may start alongside William Saliba as Arteta looks ahead to Man United.



Apperances210Goals20Assists5Gabriel’s Arsenal stats in all competitions.

Riccardo Calafiori, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz all missed Villarreal defeat with injury, but the trio may make the squad against Athletic Bilbao.

As Gabriel Martinelli started against Villarreal, Noni Madueke may be given the opportunity to showcase his capabilities.

(Credit: Imago)

Football Insider Verdict

Whatever team Arteta decides to select against Athletic Bilbao may give us an indication of who he will start at Man United.

Gyokeres needs time to gel with his team mates, so Arteta needs to give the striker time on the pitch to forge those key relationships.

The 27-year-old’s first start for the Gunners ended with him making little impact on proceedings, and it is clear work needs to be done on the training ground between Arsenal’s attacking stars.

Norgaard made a claim to start ahead of Zubimendi, with his goal and performance against Villarreal, and that could now turn out to be a difficult decision for Arteta in the holding midfield role.

The former Brentford captain has plenty of Premier League experience and he could help Zubimendi ease into the demands of English football.

The main debate though still remains down the left flank and whether it will be Martinelli or Madueke occupying that spot, with this last friendly a key match for both to impress.
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