£32m Star Who Arsenal Wanted to Sell This Summer Suddenly Looks Crucial After Brilliant Display vs Lyon

In Arsenal’s victory over Lyon in the Emirates Cup on Sunday, Riccardo Calafiori drew significant attention as he made his debut with the team.

Calafiori did not start the match but joined in the second half, initially playing as a left-back before transitioning to a left centre-back role. While the Italian displayed some signs of inexperience, his physical presence and technical ability made it clear why Mikel Arteta was eager to bring him on board.

Additionally, other players were also eager to prove themselves for a spot in Arteta’s starting lineup for the upcoming league season. Gabriel Martinelli, for example, was given a rare start on the left wing instead of Leandro Trossard.

This opportunity seemed to be Martinelli’s chance to show he deserves a place in the squad for the next match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite his efforts, the Brazilian didn’t seem to be in peak form, occasionally appearing awkward in crucial situations, though he remained industrious throughout.

Oleksandr Zinchenko Delivers Arsenal Masterclass in Front of Riccardo Calafiori

Oleksandr Zinchenko is currently viewing every chance as pivotal in his quest to make a statement.

Earlier in the summer, AFCN reported that Arsenal were open to the possibility of selling Zinchenko, though there has been no noticeable interest from other clubs.

Instead, it appears that the £32m defender will remain with Arsenal, having been assigned Alexis Sanchez’s former number 17 for the upcoming season.

In Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Lyon on Sunday, Zinchenko delivered an impressive performance.

The Ukrainian defender seems particularly driven to prove his critics wrong this season, undeterred by new challenges from players like Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, who feels like another new addition to the squad.

Zinchenko demonstrated his usual excellence on the ball, but most notably, he appeared fully concentrated—addressing past criticisms of lapses in defensive focus.

While Zinchenko often performs well against teams that defend deeply at the Emirates, there is a sense that this season, he appears rejuvenated.

This renewed form could potentially allow Arteta to integrate Calafiori and Timber more gradually, especially with Timber currently sidelined due to injury.

However, there is still speculation that another Arsenal defender may leave amid new interest.

In other Arsenal news, Mikel Arteta Names Big Arsenal Positive from Pre-season Tour of USA After Defeat to Liverpool