Arsenal lost 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly, with the absence of William Saliba through a back injury exposing further problems in Mikel Arteta's backline. The north London club have now conceded six goals in their last two matches.
Riccardo Calafiori's forward runs and an attack-minded midfield left space for Dortmund's front line to exploit throughout the game.
Samuele Inacio was played through easily in the area for Dortmund's first goal, poking the ball past goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. On 29 minutes, Konstantinos Karetsas found his way into the box and curled the ball high into the net for the second.
Arsenal have conceded six goals in two pre-season matches and must address their leaky backline fast.
Mikel Arteta's side are set to start the season without the influential Saliba through injury.
Arsenal's search for a centre-back
Arsenal are reportedly in the market for a centre-back, with Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur an option that has been assessed. The connection between the Argentine defender and Arsenal assistant coach Gabriel Heinze is said to be an influencing factor, though Tottenham are understood to be firmly against the move.
Arteta addressed Saliba's absence directly. "When he's been available, he's hit form. And the stats are incredible. So we know that we lost a massive player. The same with Jurrien (Timber). Some of these seven or eight players weren't here today with us," he said.
Tzolis presses his case
Christos Tzolis showed he wants a first-team chance as Arsenal continue to look for a new forward following their failed pursuit of Vinicius Junior. The Greek winger is viewed internally as a player with a high ceiling.
New signing Christos Tzolis looks eager to take his chance on the left wing after Arsenal missed out on Vinicius Jr.
After a mixed first half, Tzolis kept looking to get on the ball, using his ability to attack the byline or cut inside to trouble Dortmund's defenders. He set up Ethan Nwaneri by driving to the byline and squaring the ball, taking his tally to four goal contributions in four games, including an assist against MK Dons in a match played behind closed doors.
Gabriel Martinelli, who has not matched the heights of his 2022-23 breakthrough season when he registered 21 goal contributions, could depart this summer. Arteta substituted Martinelli on after 78 minutes alongside Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira, both of whom are also expected to leave. Arsenal are said to be open to Martinelli leaving for the right fee, with Galatasaray interested.
Guimaraes unveiled to fans
Bruno Guimaraes emerged up the Emirates tunnel surrounded by club videographers, wearing baggy jeans and an Arsenal jersey, raising his arms to cheers from supporters.
The reaction from Arsenal fans reflected excitement over the Brazilian's arrival as the club's first marquee signing of the summer, following a long-running transfer saga. Guimaraes joins a midfield already featuring Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi, adding an aggressive edge and a willingness to play ambitious passes.
Bruno Guimaraes was unveiled in front of Arsenal fans after his £75million move from Newcastle United.
Gyokeres and Havertz combine
Arteta had originally planned to use Kai Havertz as his No.1 striker last season before knee issues opened the door for Viktor Gyokeres. With Havertz now fully fit, Arteta has started the pair together in three consecutive pre-season matches to test whether they can play alongside each other.
On 20 minutes, a pass from Odegaard sent Havertz clear. He tried to square the ball to Gyokeres, but goalkeeper Alexander Meyer intervened to stop the attack.
Viktor Gyokeres linked up with Kai Havertz in attack, with the pair showing enough to give Arteta another option ahead of the new season.
Minutes later, another pass from Odegaard reached Havertz, whose cross was headed wide by Gyokeres. The pair are friends off the pitch and showed a willingness to work together rather than compete to be the main man throughout the match.
