Arsenal Finalizes Preseason Squad for Emirates Cup vs Athletic Bilbao

Arsenal is concluding their pre-season with the Emirates Cup against Athletic Bilbao, providing Mikel Arteta a final opportunity to evaluate his squad before the Premier League opener at Manchester United. The team showed vulnerabilities in a recent 3-2 loss to Villarreal, highlighting defensive and offensive challenges, though players like Christian Norgaard and Ethan Nwaneri impressed. Gabriel Magalhaes returned from injury and may start alongside William Saliba in defense, while key midfielders Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Martin Zubimendi are expected to return. New signings Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke are still adapting, with Gyokeres needing time to gel with teammates, and Arteta is expected to reveal his likely starting lineup for the season in this match. Meanwhile, other European clubs like Barcelona, Cádiz CF, Córdoba CF, Napoli, and Girona FC are also engaging in pre-season friendlies to prepare for their upcoming campaigns. These matches serve as critical tests for squad depth and tactical readiness ahead of their respective league seasons.