Arsenal announce 25-man squad for Emirates Cup: Bellerin, Holding and Chambers included

ARSENAL have named a 25-man squad for this weekend's Emirates Cup.

Santi Cazorla reveals that he will be back to Arsenal soon

Arsenal take on Benfica on Saturday and Sevilla on Sunday as they continue their preparations for the new season.

Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Calum Chambers missed the recent tour of Australia and China but returned to training this week and have been included in the squad for this weekend.

The defensive trio were all involved in this summer’s European Under-21 Championship in Poland and were given an extended holiday.

Summer singings Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac could make their home debuts in the competition.

Alexis Sanchez and Shkodran Mustafi are not included in the squad but will begin their pre-season on Sunday.

Sanchez posted a picture on Instagram earlier today claiming to be sick which could put his return in doubt amid transfer speculation over his future.

But manager Arsene Wenger is adamant he will be staying at the club. 

Rob HoldingGETTY

Rob Holding in training with Danny Welbeck earlier today

He said: “My mind has been made up for a while now. I think I’ve made it clear a few times that this is my stance [he will stay at Arsenal].

“Sanchez has got one year to go on his contract and we have no need to make money. He will be part of the team next year and after that I can understand it. 

“We are in a strong financial situation so we want to keep our best players. Has he asked to leave? No.”

Arsenal squad: Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Aaron Ramsey, Alexandre Lacazette, Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud, David Ospina, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rob Holding, Alex Iwobi, Nacho Monreal, Calum Chambers, Danny Welbeck, Hector Bellerin, Emiliano Martinez, Granit Xhaka, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Sead Kolasinac, Petr Cech, Francis Coquelin, Mohamed Elneny, Cohen Bramall, Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock

 

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