Ben White is expected to complete his transfer to Arsenal this week ahead of the Mind Series game against Chelsea.
The centre back will not be expected to take any part in that tournament having been given an extended break following England’s exploits at the Euro’s.
With a later than normal start to the season (Arsenal’s first game is August 13th), White will have an outside chance of getting back match fit for the Brentford game, however it is unlikely.
Most of this week will be taken up with medicals and promotion shots, so White is unlikely to join his new team mates for training until the later half of the week once his deal is completed.
That would leave 2 weeks until the Brentford game.
Arsenal could rush White back. A couple of weeks of intense training. But this would risk injury.
Slow and steady wins the race, so Mikel Arteta is more likely to start the season with Rob Holding with White to make his debut in the League cup 2nd round.
On the League Cup. It is the first time since 1995 that Arsenal have played I the 2nd round of the competition.
Traditionally those teams that qualify for Europe do not join the League Cup until the 3rd round.
As we know, this is the first time in 26 years Arsenal do not have European football. And the result is a 2nd round game.
Since English sides were readmitted to European competition for the 1990/91 season, this is only the 3rd year we would have not been in Europe – 95/96 and 1992/93 the other two.
Whilst that is an incredible record, we have come away from 27 seasons in Europe with just one triumph – the 94 European Cup Winners Cup.
We have lost 4 European finals in that time (I do not count the Super Cup as a defeat as it is a friendly trophy. Not a competitive match).
Our European failure really is a black spot on the club.
So other than the Ben White signing, what else can Arsenal expect this week?
We will probably play another friendly behind closed doors prior to Sunday’s friendly against Chelsea.
I imagine it will be a bit like the Millwall game where we are only told of opponents after the game, and the club will probably “delay live stream” the game again.
In terms of transfers, I would be surprised if other deals are confirmed this week.
Arteta and Edu are building a squad. We have other targets in sight but it is too early to make the decision to move on from them and aim for other targets.
I would still expect us to make another 2 or 3 signings – a new keeper, new central midfielder and new attacking midfielder. But we have a month to make these signings.
Would not be surprised if we are lining up with Thomar Partey and Mo Elneny in midfield for Brentford.
Enjoy your day.
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 
Please 🙏 get Zakaria Denis from manglabach the boy is too good defensively
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