Mikel Arteta will be keeping tabs on the Arsenal players competing at the World Cup this summer.
09:00, 09 Jun 2026
Noni Madueke #20 of England reacts during a training session during the England World Cup 2026 Camp on June 07, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida
View 3 Images
Noni Madueke can help prove his Arsenal credentials for England at the World Cup(Image: Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Three Arsenal stars need to impress Mikel Arteta at the World Cup. Before the Arsenal boss gets his feet back under the table at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, he'll be keeping tabs on those who are representing their country across North America this summer.
The knockout stages are scheduled to take place at the end of June, and the final has been pencilled in for the third week of July. So, with FIFA keen to give players at least 21 days of rest at the end of each campaign, some players could miss the start of pre-season.
Those at the World Cup will have to make up for lost time and prove to Arteta that they deserve a place in the squad next term. Gabriel Martinelli, for instance, will be on thin ice, with the Spaniard plotting a 'very ambitious' transfer window.
Following the Champions League final, Arteta immediately turned his attention to next season, outlining his desire to lead Arsenal to 'another level'. Speaking to reporters, the Gunners boss said: "First of all, I will take a few days with my family, and then we will start the process to review what we have done.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
"We will have to start making some very important decisions if we want to reach another level. We are going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it is going to demand us to be very ambitious, very fast and very smart."
Of course, the likes of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are expected to still play a key role in Arteta's side next season, regardless of how they perform at the World Cup. But others need to prove their worth this summer.
So, with that being said, football.london has looked at four players who need to impress Arteta at the World Cup.
Gabriel Martinelli
If Arsenal plan to compete on all fronts next season, this summer, Andrea Berta needs to significantly bolster the frontline. But, before the Gunners can welcome any new faces to the Emirates Stadium, they'll need to make space in the squad and raise some funds.
After some disappointing performances and only a year left on his contract, Martinelli naturally faces a somewhat uncertain future. Although the 24-year-old winger didn't start as many games as he would've hoped last term, he still only scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 53 games – and over 2,300 minutes of action – across all competitions.
If Martinelli can prove he can lock horns with the very best in the world this summer, he could earn himself a new long-term contract with Arsenal. Equally, if the Brazilian falls short of expectations again, he could be one of the first out of the door.
Gabriel Martinelli of Brazil celebrates after scoring the team's third goal during the international friendly match between Brazil and Croatia at Camping World Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
View 3 Images
Gabriel Martinelli for Brazil(Image: Getty)
Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard also has a lot to prove this summer. The 31-year-old winger will also enter the final year of his contract with Arsenal in the coming weeks, so he'll be determined to prove his worth at the World Cup.
Unlike Martinelli, however, Trossard was far more reliable last season, showing his teeth and stepping up to the plate on more than one occasion. While the Brazilian fights for a place in Arteta's squad, the Belgian international will be fighting for a place in Arteta's starting lineup.
Leandro Trossard with the Premier League trophy
View 3 Images
Leandro Trossard helped Arsenal win the Premier League title(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Article continues below
Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke largely disappointed in his debut campaign for Arsenal. The 24-year-old, whom the Gunners signed from Chelsea for £52m last summer, didn't provide the cutting edge that many supporters had hoped for when Berta first entered the market for a winger of his price tag.
If Madueke can improve his end product, Bukayo Saka will be looking over his shoulder... for club and country!
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts