The transfer market has finally closed, and attention now shifts to this weekend’s Premier League action. Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow afternoon in the game of the week.
Overall, Mikel Arteta’s team had a quiet deadline day, with only a few players leaving the club. Nuno Tavares has joined Nottingham Forest on loan, while Albert Sambi Lokonga has joined Luton Town.
The majority of the Gunners’ work was done earlier in the window. Prior to the club’s pre-season journey to the United States, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, and Declan Rice all signed before goalkeeper David Raya came on loan from Brentford.
Following last week’s 2-2 draw with Fulham, fans will be keen to return to the Emirates Stadium this weekend. Arteta’s men have looked far from their best in their first three games, and the match against United on Sunday will be their most difficult yet.
Erik ten Hag’s squad, like Arsenal, has started the 2023/24 season off to a slow start. Following a 1-0 home win over Wolves, United struggled against Tottenham before rallying for a late triumph against Nottingham Forest last week.
They will, however, return to north London after their business on deadline day. Ten Hag signed four players on Friday, bringing United’s total number of summer acquisitions to four.
Altay Bayindir completed his £4.3 million move from Fenerbahce earlier in the day, and Jonny Evans signed a one-year contract to return to the club. Later in the season, Tottenham left-back Sergio Reguilon signed for the season, while Sofyan Amrabat joined from Fiorentina.
The Moroccan comes on a €10 million season-long loan. According to our sister publication Manchester Evening News, United have the option to make the deal permanent next summer for about €20 million plus an additional €5 million.
Fortunately for Arsenal, not all of Manchester United’s new signings will be available to play on Sunday. New recruits are permitted to play in the upcoming match if they are registered before midday on Friday.
Reguilon, on the other hand, is certain to make his debut against Arsenal after joining before the lunchtime deadline. In his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag confirmed that the left-back has already trained with his new teammates. “He (Reguilon) is here, and he trained,” he explained. “He’ll be on the squad as well, yeah, I’m overjoyed.”
Signing for £72 million Ramsus Hojlund is also a candidate to make their club debut. The striker is yet to make an appearance for United due to a back injury. “So he had a good training week,” the Dutchman remarked during his pre-match press conference when questioned about Hojlund’s availability. “So we have final training tomorrow (Saturday), but he’s doing well, he’s responding well.”
“As a result, he’ll be available for Sunday’s game.” Every player, in my opinion, is under a lot of scrutiny. You must perform at United. Each position and each player.
“I believe he can (start).” He’s all set to begin.”
Andre Onana; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, Sergio Reguilon; Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes; Marcus Rashford, Antony, Rasmus Hojlund.