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The Gunners' Den, 15, Ribadu Road Off Awolowo Road Ikoyi Lagos, Ikoyi (2026)

12/08/2026

The Arsenal 1–1 Como friendly at the Emirates had several major talking points, especially with the Community Shield against Manchester City approaching. Arsenal eventually won 4–3 on penalties, with David Raya making the difference in the shootout.

🔴 Arsenal vs Como — Main Talking Points

1. Bruno Guimarães makes his Arsenal debut

The £70m+ signing came on at half-time.

He also converted his penalty in the shootout.

His debut was one of the biggest talking points ahead of the new season.

2. Myles Lewis-Skelly continues to impress

Lewis-Skelly opened the scoring after capitalising on a Como mistake.

His ability to contribute in midfield and around the opposition box remains encouraging for Mikel Arteta.

3. Como's Baturina produces a moment of magic

Martin Baturina equalised with an excellent strike, showing that Arsenal's defence could still be vulnerable to individual quality.

4. Eberechi Eze gets valuable minutes

With Arsenal managing the workload of players such as Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, Eze was one of the attacking players to watch.

His creativity could be particularly important during the opening weeks of the campaign.

5. David Raya the penalty-shootout hero

Raya saved two penalties as Arsenal won the shootout 4–3.

It was an excellent confidence boost for the goalkeeper going into competitive football.

6. Trevoh Chalobah and Yan Couto make their debuts

Both new arrivals were involved, giving Arsenal supporters an early look at additional defensive options.

7. Arsenal finish pre-season unbeaten in spirit—but still have work to do

A 1–1 draw isn't necessarily concerning in a friendly, but the game highlighted areas Arteta will want to sharpen, particularly attacking efficiency and defensive concentration.

8. The Community Shield is now the real test

This was Arsenal's final pre-season fixture before the competitive meeting with Manchester City.

The big question is whether the squad is ready to switch from experimentation to trophy-winning mode.

🔥 Biggest question for Arsenal fans

Can Bruno Guimarães, Eze and the other new additions take Arsenal from Premier League champions to a team capable of dominating Europe as well?

That is arguably the biggest storyline coming out of the Como game.

12/08/2026

EZE’S ARSENAL DEBUT! NEW NO.10 SET TO SHINE AGAINST COMO AS RICE & SAKA GET A REST

The key angle is the Eze debut: Arsenal’s £67.5m signing has already worn the No. 10 shirt, and the transfer famously saw the Gunners beat Tottenham to his signature.

The Como match could therefore be an intriguing first look at Eze operating as Arsenal’s No. 10, while giving Rice and Saka a chance to get some recovery time ahead of the Community Shield.

12/08/2026

🚨 Arsenal Step Up Ezri Konsa Pursuit!

Arsenal are reportedly reigniting their interest in Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa as Mikel Arteta looks for defensive cover following William Saliba’s injury. Recent reports indicate Villa value the 28-year-old England international at around £60 million, while Arsenal remain reluctant to meet that valuation.

Konsa’s versatility makes him particularly attractive. He can operate at centre-back or right-back, giving Arteta another reliable option during a difficult period for the defence.

The big question is whether Arsenal should pay the £60m or negotiate a lower fee.

🔴⚪ Would you spend £60m on Ezri Konsa, Gunners?

12/08/2026

Gabriel Martinelli is attracting genuine transfer attention from Galatasaray, and the story appears to have moved beyond simple speculation. Recent reports say Galatasaray have approached Arsenal, with claims of an offer around €40m (£34m), although the exact status of that bid is not independently confirmed across all reports.

🔴 Should Arsenal sell Martinelli?

For me, Arsenal should think very carefully before letting him go.

Martinelli remains a dangerous winger with pace, direct running and Champions League experience. His reported six Champions League goals last season show that he can still produce on the biggest stage.

The interesting part is Arsenal's current attacking competition. With players such as Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and other attacking options, Martinelli's position is no longer guaranteed—but selling him would still remove valuable depth.

£34m would feel too low for a player of Martinelli's age and ability. If Arsenal eventually decide to sell, the fee should properly reflect his potential and European experience.

Gunners fans: would you KEEP Martinelli or SELL him if Galatasaray offered £40m? 🔴⚪

12/08/2026

This is a sensible approach from Mikel Arteta ahead of the new season. Reports indicate that Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are likely to miss Arsenal’s Como friendly as they continue building back to full fitness, while Eberechi Eze is expected to be involved.

For Arsenal, there is little reason to rush Rice or Saka when the competitive season is about to begin. Giving Eze minutes, meanwhile, could be a major positive as he continues settling into the squad.

The Como match is also Arsenal’s final pre-season test before the Community Shield, making squad balance and fitness more important than simply getting every big-name player on the pitch.

The big question for Gunners fans: Could Eze make an immediate impact and give Arteta another exciting attacking option? 🔴⚪

12/08/2026

Going Going Going........?

12/08/2026

ARSENAL MUST STOP LOSING TO THE BIG SIX!

If Arsenal genuinely want to establish themselves as the dominant force in English football, there is one major challenge they must overcome: consistency against the so-called Big Six.

The Big Six — Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham — remain the headline fixtures of the Premier League.

Arsenal have already shown they can compete with the best. But this season, the mentality has to change:

Don't go into these matches hoping to avoid defeat. Go into them expecting to WIN.

With a stronger squad, greater midfield depth and another season of Mikel Arteta's tactical evolution, Arsenal should be aiming for a remarkable target:

ZERO DEFEATS AGAINST THE OTHER BIG SIX!

Imagine Arsenal taking maximum points against Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham. Those results could become the difference between simply challenging for the title and dominating the title race.

The 2026/27 fixture list is already set, with Arsenal beginning their title defence against Coventry City.

GUNNERS, BE HONEST:

Can Arsenal go the entire Premier League season WITHOUT LOSING TO ANY OF THE OTHER BIG SIX?

YES 🔴⚪ or NO? 👇

12/08/2026

🔴 REISS NELSON COULD BE HEADING FOR THE EXIT!

West Ham United are reportedly in advanced talks with Arsenal over a possible season-long loan for Reiss Nelson. The 26-year-old winger returned to Arsenal after another loan spell away from the club, but his future at the Emirates remains uncertain.

With Nelson entering the final year of his Arsenal contract, this could be a crucial decision for both the player and the club.

A loan to West Ham could give Nelson the regular first-team football he needs, while Arsenal could potentially preserve his value. However, some reports now suggest the discussions could even move towards a permanent transfer rather than a loan.

💭 WHAT SHOULD ARSENAL DO?

🔴 Give Nelson one final chance?
⚒️ Send him to West Ham on loan?
💰 Or sell him permanently while there is still value?

GUNNERS, WHAT'S YOUR VERDICT? 👇

12/08/2026

🔥 BRUNO GUIMARÃES IS A GUNNER! 🔴⚪

The fan-made concept of Bruno Guimarães wearing the Arsenal shirt is no longer just a dream image — the Brazilian midfielder has officially joined Arsenal from Newcastle for a reported £75 million!

The 28-year-old has signed a four-year contract with an option for another year, giving Mikel Arteta another elite midfielder as Arsenal look to defend their Premier League crown and make another serious push in Europe.

Imagine this midfield:

RICE 🛡️ | GUIMARÃES 🔥 | ØDEGAARD 🎯

With Zubimendi and Merino also available, Arsenal suddenly have incredible depth in midfield.

Was £75m a bargain for Bruno Guimarães? 👀

🔴⚪ WELCOME TO THE GUNNERS, BRUNO!

12/08/2026

Riccardo Calafiori has already been involved in Arsenal’s pre-season preparations in Girona, and he featured in the 4–1 victory over Girona on August 1.

His return is particularly important because Calafiori gives Mikel Arteta another versatile defensive option, capable of operating at left-back and centrally.

🔴 Calafiori’s return could be a big boost

After helping Arsenal’s successful 2025/26 campaign, getting him back into training early gives Arteta more time to build defensive chemistry before the competitive fixtures arrive.

And Arsenal need it. The recent 3–2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund exposed some defensive issues, so having Calafiori, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber and the other defenders available should give Arteta much more flexibility.

The bigger picture: Arsenal's squad is gradually coming together. The World Cup players are returning, Calafiori is back, and the new signings are being integrated.

The next challenge is turning individual fitness into one cohesive, match-ready team before the Premier League opener against Coventry on August 21.

Gunners, are you excited to see Calafiori back in the Arsenal starting XI? 🔴⚪

The Gunners' Den

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