Duo missing, big transfer hints and strange absence - Behind the scenes of Arsenal media day

The Premier League is fast approaching, and with that, the Arsenal players have to run through many of the media duties that need fulfilling before the season starts. These include filming clips for the various broadcasting companies that are used to advertise big games or just taking photos that can be used in different graphics, such as line-ups.

The Gunners have seen some brilliant artwork installed behind the players to emphasise the Arsenal theme. However, from the images currently available, it does not appear this is the case, but we do have the roster of players who took part in the day.

There were some interesting inclusions, particularly players who could yet still leave the club, new signings getting their opportunity to show off celebrations: Viktor Gyokeres, of course. There were also some omissions, which in some cases can be explained and in others leave question marks. With that in mind, football.london runs through what we noticed from the available images.

Where is Martin Zubimendi?

One of the stranger absences from the Arsenal roster was Martin Zubimendi. The images include every senior player except the Spaniard.

Perhaps there is a good reason for the player being missing from illness on the day, or the images just have not yet been uploaded. football.london has reached out for comment and will update at a later time when we have the answer; Zubimendi started and came off without issue against Athletic Club on Saturday.

For how much longer?

Several players were pictured in the new Arsenal kit but are expected to leave before the window closes, either permanently or on loan. Fabio Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Karl Hein, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Reiss Nelson have all been included in the images.

All have been linked with potential exits from the club, as has Leandro Trossard, although so far, there remain no offers on the table other than a contract improvement from the club. These exits could allow for a new player to come in, who would then need to undergo a late photoshoot for the media companies.

Youth duo absent

Two of the more prevalent youth team inclusions on the pre-season tour were Max Dowman and Marli Salmon. The two 15-year-old talents impressed during their stints in the side, particularly Dowman, who even has a chance of being included in the Premier League squad against Manchester United. Dowman is eligible to play in the league now because he turns 16 during the campaign, just like when Ethan Nwaneri made his debut, breaking the record to become the English top flight’s youngest ever debutant.

It is expected that their lack of inclusion in the Premier League media day is due to their young age. However, this does not rule out their potential inclusion in any of the domestic competitions at this stage.

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