Reiss Nelson, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga - five men who previously had a part to play at Arsenal, all absent from the squad to face Man United at the weekend.

Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri will be under pressure to deliver at the Emirates Stadium this season after the Gunners opted not to pursue a transfer for Eberechi Eze. The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season in north London last time around and penned a new contract in the summer.

The 27-year-old midfielder has been tipped to leave Selhurst Park all summer. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are the two clubs most widely credited with interest in Eze, who is thought to be open to a move on the north side of the River Thames.