Arsenal kicked off their pre-season schedule with two 1-1 draws last week, against Watford and Nurnberg respectively, with Brazilian forward Marquinhos and Bukayo Saka both on the scoresheet. Both results won't have been of much concern to Arteta, who was mainly assessing his options and taking a closer look at some of his younger players looking to make an impact.
Kai Havertz made his debut for the Gunners at the Max-Morlock-Stadion, and he is the first of several new faces to have already arrived at the Emirates Stadium this summer as Arsenal aim to keep progressing after their runners' up finish in the Premier League.
A British record deal for Declan Rice was completed over the weekend, along with the £40m ($51m) capture of Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, while the Gunners have also been strongly linked with Southampton's Romeo Lavia and Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda.
But there are also several members of Arteta's pre-existing group who will have points to prove over the next few weeks. Some are playing for their futures and others will be out to defy their critics, with a view to giving Arteta a selection dilemma when Arsenal's 2023-24 Premier League opener rolls around in August...