Mikel Arteta could hand six players their Arsenal debuts against Nurnberg including three academy stars

Mikel Arteta could hand six Arsenal players their debut against Nurnberg including three academy stars.

The Gunners take on 2.Bundesliga side at the Max-Morlock-Stadion on July 13, in the first of their pre-season encounters.

Arsenal will then travel to the United States to face the MLS All-Stars, who will be coached by Premier League icon Wayne Rooney, before playing Manchester United in New York

Arteta’s men will then go to Los Angeles for a heavyweight encounter against Barcelona, before playing their final warm-up game at home against Monaco in the Emirates Cup.

But the encounter against Nurnberg in particular may be an opportunity for Gooners to see some players don the Arsenal shirt for the first time.

Six players set for debuts

New signing Kai Havertz, who last week joined the Gunners from Chelsea in a £65million deal, could make his first Arsenal appearance in the Nurnberg friendly.

Moreover, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber could also feature for the first time in Arsenal colours, should their respective move be finalised in time.

As per Sky Sports News, Rice’s £105million move from West Ham and Timber’s £38million transfer from Ajax should be finalised imminently, with both players set for medicals in the next 72 hours.

But beyond the big-money new signings, Arsenal could also hand some Hale End graduates debuts against the German side.

England under-18s international Lino Sousa was pictured among the Arsenal first-team following the players' return to London Colney.

The 18-year-old left-back, who joined Arsenal from West Brom in January 2022, clearly caught Arteta’s eye while performing for Arsenal’s under-21 outfit last term.

Furthermore, 16-year-old defensive midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly could also make his first appearance for the Gunners, while Brooke Norton-Cuffy could also feature.

The latter impressed on loan at Rotherham United and Coventry last term and has been training with the Arsenal first team since his return to his parent club.

Topics: Football, Transfers, Arsenal, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.