Mikel Arteta faced a setback with the loss of Mikel Merino in his first training session, especially after adding Riccardo Calafiori to the defensive line. However, Arsenal supporters can breathe a sigh of relief with the late arrival of Raheem Sterling, who brings competition and cover, particularly for Bukayo Saka. The departures of Aaron Ramsdale, Emile Smith Rowe, and Eddie Nketiah, along with the loan of Reiss Nelson, may take some getting used to for fans, but they hope Arteta’s decisions will pay off in the end. Neto was brought in on deadline day to replace Ramsdale as the backup goalkeeper.
” Losing Mikel Merino in his first training session wasn’t exactly ideal for Mikel Arteta in a summer when he also added Riccardo Calafiori to an already miserly defence. Yet Arsenal fans, having awaited news of attacking reinforcements, will be relieved Raheem Sterling’s dramatic late arrival increases the competition for places and the cover – especially for Bukayo Saka. The sales of Aaron Ramsdale, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah and the loan departure of Reiss Nelson will be difficult for supporters to get used to but they will hope Arteta’s ruthless approach pays dividends. Neto joined on deadline day to replace Ramsdale as the back-up goalkeeper. ” – Ed Aarons
Key new signings for Arsenal include Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, David Raya, Neto, and Raheem Sterling.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa had a dual objective in the transfer window. They needed to comply with profitability and sustainability regulations by making significant sales, while also preparing the squad for upcoming Champions League matches. Despite not landing their top target, João Félix, and missing out on a deal for Lutsharel Geertruida, Villa are content with their summer business. With Matty Cash sidelined with a hamstring injury, January signing Kosta Nedeljkovic, 18, will have the opportunity to showcase his talent.
” There were almost two windows at play for Villa: one to meet profitability and sustainability regulations, with sales totalling more than £150m, and another to strengthen the squad for at least eight matches in the Champions League. Villa are satisfied with their business but Unai Emery lost out to Chelsea in pursuit of João Félix and although they added one Netherlands full-back in Ian Maatsen they could not complete a deal for Feyenoord’s Lutsharel Geertruida. Matty Cash is expected to miss the next month with a hamstring injury, so the January signing Kosta Nedeljkovic, 18, will get a chance to impress. ” – Ben Fisher
Key signings for Aston Villa include Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen, Jaden Philogene, Enzo Barrenechea, and Ross Barkley.
Overall, both Arsenal and Aston Villa have made significant changes to their squads in the summer transfer window, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
