Arsenal’s players looked unconcerned by a friendly defeat to Brentford as they decided to take a dip during pre-season. The Gunners met their London rivals in a behind-closed doors friendly yesterday, losing 2-1 after an error from new goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
But there was a slither of good news from the game – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made it five goals in three games and could be a big player for new boss Unai Emery. The Premier League side tried to keep the game quiet, but didn’t bank on a Brentford man posting on Instagram about a pre-season game and tagging London Colney as the location.
It was later confirmed that the two teams did indeed clash, with the Championship side triumphing. But there were not sad faces from Gunners players after, as they relaxed in the pool close to the training centre. Alexandre Lacazette, who despite missing out on the World Cup with France, was in great spirits as he frolicked in the water. Defender Rob Holding ramped things up a notch and somersaulted into the water.
Meanwhile Mesut Ozil makes surprise decision after Unai Emery chat with team-mates. The Spaniard has already had a big effect on his new side despite only replacing Arsene Wenger in May. Emery’s meticulous training methods are impressing Arsenal stars, who have even managed to persuade Ozil to return to the club early this summer.
The German international has cut short his post-World Cup holiday after hearing about pre-season under the new Gunner coach.Ozil was entitled to more time off after playing for Joachim Low’s side in Russia this summer.But the midfielder has been included in Emery’s 25-man squad for the trip to Singapore this month.
Ozil was expected to spend some time away from football after receiving a barrage of criticism from German fans after their early World Cup exit.Many supporters called for the 29-year-old to retire from international football. And Ozil’s father Mustafa believes his son should in fact call time on his Germany career.
“If I were in his place, I would say: ‘Thank you, but that’s enough,’” he told German newspaper.“He’s disappointed and offended, yes offended. His own fans booed him before the World Cup at the International in Austria and he cannot understand why.”Ozil will be joined by all of Emery’s signings on the tour of Asia. But first team stars Carl Jenkinson, Chuba Akpom, Jeff Reine-Adelaide, Joel Campbell and Krystian Bielik have all missed out on a place and will not travel with the squad.
Earlier Arsenal midfielder Kelechi Nwakali will spend next season on loan at Porto. Nigerian-born Nwakali, 20, joined the Gunners during the summer of 2016 and was sent on loan to Dutch side MVV Maastricht. Nwakali remained in Holland last season with a loan spell at Eredivisie side VVV Venlo. Arsenal confirmed the move in a short statement on Thursday .Speaking to the Porto official website, Nwakali intends to make the most of his opportunity.
“My main goal is to develop, improve my qualities and the other aspects I know I need to correct to grow in the way I play,” he said.
“I think FC Porto is the right place to evolve as a player. There are good players, young people, and I think I’ll grow up here.”
Arsenal are also reported to be on the verge of finalising a deal for 16-year-old left-back Joel Lopez, who recently made it clear he would be leaving Barcelona.New head coach Unai Emery is set to take the senior squad on a pre-season tour of Singapore, which will include Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil as well as Mohamed Elneny and Alex Iwobi following their break after the World Cup. Arsenal fly out on July 22 and will face Europa League holders Atletico Madrid as well as Emery’s former club Paris St Germain as part of the International Champions Cup.