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Arsenal’s First Summer Signing and Pre-Season Preparations
Arsenal announced their first summer signing last week, bringing in young goalkeeper Lucas Nygaard from FC Nordsjaelland. While the Denmark U18 international is set to join Arsenal’s U21 team, he is expected to get a chance with the first team during pre-season due to the absences of David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale, who are still participating in Euro 2024.
Pre-Season Fixtures and Training
With less than four weeks until Arsenal’s first confirmed pre-season fixture and less than three weeks until their trip to the United States, Nygaard has begun training with his new academy teammates. The U21 coach, Mehmet Ali, held their first session back on July 1st.
Nygaard might make his debut for the U21s against Boreham Wood on Saturday, July 13th, before the first team starts their pre-season matches. Other players in pre-season training include former loanees Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, Omar Rekik, Brian Okonkwo, Mika Biereth, Charlie Patino, Zane Monlouis, Charles Sagoe Jr., and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji.
Elian Quesada-Thorn was also involved in the session, hinting that he has accepted Arsenal’s offer of a new contract, although there has been no official announcement yet. Ethan Nwaneri, tipped for increased first-team involvement next season, was also present.
Fitness and Readiness
The academy players’ early start to training should give them a fitness advantage, preparing them to step up when needed by Mikel Arteta later in the summer. Some senior players have already participated in a less formal fitness camp with Arteta in recent days.
Arsenal Pre-Season Fixture List
– July: Possible behind-closed-doors friendlies
– July 21st: Travel to the United States
– July 24th: Arsenal vs Bournemouth (N)
– July 28th: Arsenal vs Manchester United (N)
– **August 1st**: Arsenal vs Liverpool (N)
– August 7th: Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen (H)
– August 11th: Arsenal vs Olympique Lyonnais (H)
These preparations and fixtures aim to ensure Arsenal is in top form for the upcoming season, with new talents like Nygaard ready to make their mark.