The Ukraine international is set to face increased competition for a place in the Gunners' starting XI, after the north London side signed Calafiori in a deal worth £42million. The Italian defender has yet to make an appearance for Arsenal in pre-season as he is integrated into the team and builds fitness following Euro 2024.
The 22-year-old could feature in the club's final friendly before the Premier League season on Sunday. Arsenal take on Lyon in the Emirates Cup ahead of starting the latest bid for domestic glory.
After establishing the division's most highly regarded defensive partnership in Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, the versatile Calafiori has been deemed more likely to take up a role on the left side of Arteta's backline. With the return of Jurrien Timber who can play across Arsenal's defence too, there will be no shortage of competition for Zinchenko to overcome.
The former Manchester ace has predominantly played as a full-back since joining Arsenal in 2022. The 27-year-old plays in a more advanced midfield position with Ukraine but Arteta has given little indication he will utilise his star in such a role.
"Obviously he has played in midfield," said Arteta after Arsenal's win over Bayer Leverkusen.. "But the main focus for him right now is playing as a full back and the options and solutions he provides in that part.
"He knows the quality that he has, he knows the things he needs to improve. He’s another one that is really at it."
Zinchenko could yet be the favourite to start the season in the position however. Arteta is being cautious with his defenders.
"With Jurrien he had a little discomfort in his foot the last few days," said Arteta. "After the amount of time he has been out, we did not want to take any risks with him.
"With regards to Riccardo, so much has happened to him in one week. He has come into a new environment, a completely different methodology, different training and we are managing him. We want to do it slowly, to get him in the best possible way. Hopefully on Sunday he will be available to play some minutes."
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