Arsenal vs Como represents the final opportunity for several members of Mikel Arteta’s squad to make their case before competitive football begins against Manchester City on Sunday.
Wednesday’s 7.30pm friendly at the Emirates is Arsenal’s final pre-season fixture, with Arteta expected to continue managing the workloads of players returning from the World Cup. William Saliba and Jurrien Timber remain unavailable, while Bruno Guimaraes could make his debut.
The result will be secondary, but individual performances could still carry considerable weight. Three players in particular have something to gain.
Gabriel Martinelli needs to seize Arsenal vs Como chance
Gabriel Martinelli’s position has become increasingly interesting after a summer of change in Arsenal’s attack.
The Brazilian returned later than several teammates following the World Cup and has consequently been building his fitness from the bench. The London Standard reports that Martinelli could now start against Como as Arteta looks to increase his minutes.
There is also uncertainty surrounding his future. Galatasaray have made an enquiry for Martinelli, although Arsenal are reportedly reluctant to sanction a departure without first securing another attacker.
That makes Wednesday useful for more than fitness. A sharp Martinelli performance would remind Arteta of exactly what the 25-year-old can offer as competition increases across Arsenal’s forward line.
🚨NEW! 💣
Galatasaray are holding talks with Arsenal not only for Gabriel Martinelli, but also for Ethan Nwaneri. 🇧🇷 🏴
ℹ️ @Haluk_Yurekli pic.twitter.com/5WMPApnYdX
— AFC Xtra (@AFC__Xtra) August 11, 2026
Few Arsenal players have experienced a more dramatic change in circumstances this week than Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Fresh reports claim the academy graduate has been offered to Chelsea and Manchester United, despite his preference being to remain at Arsenal. ReadArsenal covered the Chelsea development earlier on Tuesday.
Lewis-Skelly could nevertheless start against Como. With competition now fierce in midfield, every appearance becomes another opportunity to convince Arteta that selling him would be premature.
He finished last season strongly enough to start the Champions League final, and another assured midfield performance would only make Arsenal’s reported willingness to consider offers more intriguing.
Bruno Guimaraes can make immediate first impression
Guimaraes is in a very different position.
The £75million signing does not need to prove that he belongs at Arsenal, but Wednesday could provide supporters with their first look at how Arteta intends to use him.
He was presented at the Emirates before the 3-2 defeat against Dortmund but did not feature. Guimaraes has continued training since then and is now in contention to start against Como.
His arrival has already transformed the competition in midfield. Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze were among the internationals who returned to Arsenal training on Tuesday.
Como therefore offers Guimaraes a useful first step before the intensity rises considerably against Manchester City.
For Arteta, Wednesday is not simply about completing pre-season. It is one final opportunity to assess a squad containing players fighting for places, players fighting for their Arsenal futures and one major signing preparing to begin his.
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