Arsenal’s ‘shining light’ from pre-season is expected to be handed big role under Mikel Arteta this season

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Arsenal have finally got their man through the door in Riccardo Calafiori after weeks of negotiations with Bologna.

The Italian centre-back has now joined up with his new teammates in the United States for their pre-season tour.

Mikel Arteta was keen for Calafiori to join up with Arsenal during their trip to the States to help the Italy international settle in to his new surroundings.

However, there are players at Arsenal who are impressing this summer who were already at the club.

And there is one, in particular, who may have just earned himself a big role for the upcoming campaign on the back of his displays in California.

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Arsenal player is really impressing in pre-season

The Gunners have now played twice over in America with the latest game seeing the north London outfit beating Manchester United.

And there have been some seriously impressive displays to come from Arsenal’s trip to the States.

Youngster Ethan Nwaneri stood out during their recent draw against Bournemouth with the 17-year-old putting on a real show for his manager.

But there is a player who Arsenal signed last season who they are yet to see properly in action since he landed at the Emirates.

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Journalist Charles Watts has now suggested Jurrien Timber is a player the Gunners could hand a big role to this season after what he has shown in recent weeks.

“Jurrien Timber has been one of the shining lights of Arsenal’s pre-season so far, just as he was last summer,” said Watts.

“That versatility he has could be so important because when you look at Arteta’s defence right now, it’s tough to predict exactly what he is thinking.”

“So when everyone is back fit and available, it’s tough right now to see where Timber will feature. But the key thing is he can play anywhere across that backline and we know that Arteta wants to rotate more this season than he has done previously.

“That’s something he’s spoken about in the last few weeks and when you look at the options he now has defensively, he is going to have to rotate to keep everyone happy and so I have no doubt that Timber is going to get plenty of minutes this season.”

Jurrien Timber vs Manchester United in numbers

The Dutchman started the game in Los Angeles against Manchester United at centre-back alongside Ayden Heaven.

And Timber certainly put on a solid display as he racked up just over 60 minutes of action.

Here are the numbers behind his performance…

• 63 minutes played
• 1 blocked shot
• 1 interception
• 1 tackle
• 1/1 ground duels won
• 89% pass accuracy

A really impressive pre-season is just what Timber needs after what has been a difficult year for the defender.

The arrival of Calafiori was not what he needed, but he is going to have to use the competition to fuel his comeback.