Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s transfer plans this summer are now complicated after his side’s performance in the Community Shield against Liverpool.
Some of the so-called fringe players put on splendid displays against the Premier League champions, and it will be interesting to see if Arsenal decide to cash in on them anyway.
Versatile full-back Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been linked with a move to Wolves, but the 23-year-old was outstanding for the London side on Saturday, and he picked up the man of the match award as well.
Meanwhile, defender Rob Holding has been linked with a loan move to Newcastle, and he was quite assured at the back as well. Ideally, Arsenal should look to keep the defender at the club as he would add depth and quality to Arteta’s defence.
Finally, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been linked with a move away from Arsenal as well. Still, the Argentine produced a fantastic display against Liverpool, and he was crucial to their win in the end.
Martinez has produced impressive displays consistently whenever he stepped up in the absence of Bernd Leno, and he deserves to stay at the club next season.
Very few clubs in the Premier League have a better number two then Martinez right now.
It will be interesting to see if Arteta decides to improvise in the transfer market now. Some of his players deserve another chance, and the Gunners should look to hold on.
