Arsenal return to pre-season on Wednesday afternoon when they take on Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium in a friendly.
The Gunners have just returned from a pre-season tour of the United States, where Mikel Arteta faced Premier League rivals.
Arsenal beat Manchester United 2-1 in the first friendly and were defeated in the following penalty shootout.
Liverpool was Arsenal’s next friendly and it ended with a 2-1 defeat to their new manager, Arne Slot.
With the team now back home and with plenty of players available, their next task is a friendly against Bayer Leverkusen.
While the biggest focus of the afternoon will be fitness, Arteta and Edu would likely spot some movement opportunities from their opponents.
That said, here’s a look at 3 players Arsenal could explore in their clash against Bayer Leverkusen.
Arsenal are searching for a striker, with moves touted for Dominic Solanke, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen.
However, the Gunners could take a closer look at Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface’s option.
The 23-year-old inspired the first part of last season, following his move from Union Saint-Gilloise to the Bundesliga.
An injury struck and kept Boniface out for most of the game, which may have drowned out any rumors of an exit.
However, the numbers are as follows: the Nigerian foreigner has scored 21 goals in 34 games in all competitions.
In terms of general play, Boniface is more than capable in duels both on the ground and in the air, while his greatest strength is locating spaces to obtain the ball and create chances.
Another option that Arsenal can detect this summer is Florian Wirtz, a Bayer Leverkusen youth player who has reached the top.
Although the deal is for this summer, the 21-year-old now has all the qualities to be a no-nonsense player and the promise of an even better future.
The attacking midfielder scored 38 goals last season in games in all competitions.
Wirtz played a key role in helping Leverkusen triumph in last season’s best campaign ever, with two trophies to his credit and the Bundesliga Player of the Season award.
The German foreigner will have two years left on his contract next summer, which could pave the way for a deal.
Perhaps Arteta can gain an advantage over his rivals by watching the youngster closely before a war of movement ensues.
Another Bayer Leverkusen star, Jérémie Frimpong, is praised for his natural functionality as a winger.
The 23-year-old scored 26 goals last season in all competitions, excelling in the attacking phases.
The Dutch foreigner is still young and his numbers may improve, but his greatest strength lies in his versatility.
Although he will play in a back four, Frimpong is capable of playing as a full-back or winger.
His offensive returns and middle positions allow him to play more as a full-back, which gives the option of presenting him on the right or as a left-right back.
With a lot of promise for the future, it would possibly be worth keeping an eye on the former Celtic for the next windows of movements.