Arsenal are flying to Los Angeles today and our squad for the trip, which incorporates four friendly matches, has now been confirmed.
Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock, Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe, fresh from being promoted to the first team, are all on the plane. As are Academy prospects Zech Medley, Dominic Thompson, Robbie Burton, James Olayinka, Bukayo Saka and Tyreece John-Jules.
International duties mean the likes of Alex Iwobi, Mohamed Elneny, Lucas Torreira and Kystian Bielik all miss out.
In the absence of Laurent Koscielny, who has refused to travel, this is the full squad:
Keepers: Leno, Martinez, Macey
Defenders: Bellerin, Jenkinson, Chambers, Sokratis, Mustafi, Holding, Mavropanos, Medley, Monreal, Kolasinac, Thompson,
Midfielders: Maitland-Niles, Willock, Xhaka, Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Nelson, Smith Rowe, Olayinka, Burton
Attackers: Martinelli, Saka, Aubameyang, Lacazette, Nketiah, John-Jules
And here’s who we’ll be facing when we land Stateside…
2am, Tuesday 16 July
Colorado Rapids vs Arsenal
DICK’s Sporting Goods Park, Colorado, USA
Friendly
4am, Thursday 18 July
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
Dignity Health Sports Park, Los Angeles, USA
International Champions Cup
11pm [BST], Saturday 20 July
Arsenal vs Fiorentina
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, USA
International Champions Cup
12am [BST], Wednesday 24 July
Arsenal vs Real Madrid
FedExField, Washington DC, USA
International Champions Cup
No Amaechi? What’s happening with him?
Could be a similar situation to the Nelson one last summer, one year left on his deal, wants senior football, Arsenal can’t offer it to him. Hopefully we can secure a new deal and loan him out somewhere for the year.
Hopefully. I know there’s a similar situation with Tyreece John-Jules as well – would be good to secure them on contracts, if nothing else to ensure we can get a fee for them if they do leave.
For sure! There’s a market for our youngster in Germany now so we should squeeze as much money out of them as possible.
Wierd not seeing Kos in the squad. There must be more to this story. This is not who he is at all. Something must have really pissed him off. Maybe, maybe, they told him he will get Mustafie’s shirt number?
Sadly not. Apparently he told them that he won’t travel and wants out and to return to France. Which is fair enough at one level.
But we’re supposed to be recruiting at least one centre half that we can use immediately. Not losing one.
More problems to add to the number we already have.
No Bielik?
Looks like we’re prepared to let him go. Shame, I reckon that could be a decision we come to regret.
Could be because he was playing in some tournament not too long ago.
Am not looking forward to the STAN DERBY
I am. I’m great-full that I am able to take my son to an Arsenal match in person no matter the opposition or who makes up our squad. I jumped at the chance to fly there to see them. It will be $1500 well spent in four days to me.
Does the fact that some people are on this USA tour rule out selling them? Or can they leave mid-tour if something comes up?
Not for sale except maybe Mustafi but Kos situation has changed that too.
Still baffled by Kos situation…
Just waiting for the announcement of Xhaka and Ozil as captain and vice captain and Mustafi taking the number 6 shirt before I lock myself in the garage with the engine running, slit both my wrists and take a bunch of pentobarbital, and for good measure have a deadmans switch activated C4 belt strapped to my waist.
Same except Phil Collins will be playing in the background.
I actually like some of Phil’s stuff, but you get a thumbs up cause it completes the scene.
I think you missed again.
Bielik must really really want to play for Arsenal next season
Downtown the young ones are going
Downtown the young ones are growing
We’re the kids in America (Whoa)
We’re the kids in America (Whoa)
Everybody plays with Mustafi-oh-why…
One look at that squad, and I know we’re not getting top 4. Signings are a MUST! Emery may as well walk if hes not backed.
This squad can make top four with chavs and united remaining were they are if the coach don’t bottle it at the end.!!!
Where is Guendouzi?
Played for France U-23, so vacation.
Players I’m looking at for a Smith-Rowe type breakout this summer tour:
James Olayinka
Tyreece John-Jules
Dominic Thompson
Robbie Burton could be thrown in there too, but I think the above three have the best shots to breakout. Excited to see what they can do as watching relatively unknown youngsters is my favorite pastime of the summer tour!
Corporal Jenko strikes back
Return of the Jenko
Bellerin? Thought he wasn’t due back until a few weeks after the season kicked off
Whos going to dress everyone for their social engagements
He’s got shorter hair now. Anything is possible? 🙂
The tour’s going to LA, no way he’s missing out on that. Premier Denim and handmade in USA fashion houses..
Guendouzi?
Was at Under 21 tournament with France so still on holiday
I miss him that’s all!
Maitland Niles listed as a midfielder. Can we take it this means he’s not going to be used at right back this season?
If so, then looking at the options available it’s Jenkinson or Chambers who will be back up to Bellerin… unless we actually sign someone.
Thompson, I guess, will get a run out or two at left-back. Perhaps this is the test to see if we need Tierney… although “yes” is definitely the answer.
DICKs sporting goods
Just as long as they keep em covered.
i am stoked for this. Get the last match in DC vs Madrid! 1st team perhaps?
I thought no first teamers came to Borehamwood last week because of the tour, yet the young guys we saw a decent number are on tour too.
Other than this Koscielny situation, isnt Bellerin the surprise, is he back early, thats a boost at least
Yes and ‘Mkhitaryan’ too, thought the brave soul was still in hiding from the Azerbaijan hit squad! Cruel but Jesus is this the worst squad ever in history. Suppose the stand up Ozil will be the new skipper.
Excited to see the team Thursday here in LA.
Not a lot of positives at the moment so I will take this one : seeing Bellerin’s name back in the squad is exciting.
He and Holding is in the squad to make it look better than it is. They will not play.
Quite probably but the fact that they are there means they aren’t that far away. If they were they would be left behind to continue rehab.
Wow!!!! Looking at this team list,just gave me a good reality check on how light we are as a team…. Aside Torriera and Iwobi who are away in int’l competitions, we literally dont have enough players to start the season…..If we stay in Europa league spot, come end of the season, it would have been a successful season….Dont mention we have Elneny too, cos am aware..
We have Elneny too
Don’t see Beilik. Prob recuperating from U21 effort. Interesting to keep an eye on Chambers. Had a good pre-season last summer I thought. …he’s on the cusp of further inclusion or going out I feel. Its either him or Mustafi depending on market interest. But Chambers may not fancy contending from fourth choice at Cback and his wages (plus local conetnt added value) will make him more attractive to prospective clubs. Will be interesting to see Nelson, Smith-Rowe and of course new signing from Brazil (division 4) Marintelli. And the keepers will be interesting to assess as well in Macey… Read more »
Still gutted about the Kolcieny news
No Gueduozi?
Excited to finally be able to see them live when they face Bayern, as LA is the closest Arsenal have ever come to my home in the west coast of Canada. Hoping to see a mix of established players and emerging talent. And a win, or course.