Arsenal stars Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Per Mertesacker return to training as Arsene Wenger's side begin preparations for new seasonĀ 

  • Arsenal news: All the latest from the EmiratesĀ 
  • Arsenal stars were back in training for the first time on WednesdayĀ 
  • Players involved in Euro 2016 and Copa America are not back yetĀ 
  • But several of the club's big names were still involved after a summer off
  • And there was a chance for fringe players to catch Arsene Wenger's eyeĀ 

Euro 2016 is not yet over, but while Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny prepare for the semi-finals, their Arsenal team-mates are back in London beginning pre-season.

The Gunners' stars who were not involved in continental football this summer returned to training on Tuesday, as Arsene Wenger and his coaching staff put them through their paces at the start of his 21st season at the club.

Among those involved were two England wingers who were not selected for the Euros, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott, as well as Spanish left back Nacho Monreal and his English rival for a first-team place Kieran Gibbs.

(Left to right) Alex Iwobi, Nacho Monreal, Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs were all back in training for Arsenal

(Left to right) Alex Iwobi, Nacho Monreal, Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs were all back in training for Arsenal

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who missed Euro 2016 because of injury, is put through his pacesĀ 

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who missed Euro 2016 because of injury, is put through his pacesĀ 

Calum Chambers (left) and Mohamed Elneny (centre) are joined by teenage star Jeff Reine-Adelaide

Calum Chambers (left) and Mohamed Elneny (centre) are joined by teenage star Jeff Reine-Adelaide

Per Mertesacker, who captained the side for much of last season in the absence of now-departed Mikel Arteta, was also involved in the first session of the summer, having retired from international football following the 2014 World Cup, as was Egyptian international Mohamed Elneny.


But Alexis Sanchez, who was player of the tournament as Chile won the Copa America for the second time in two years, is still yet to return, as are all of the players who were involved at the European Championship, including new signing Granit Xhaka, who was one of the stars of the group stage before seeing his side exit on penalties in the last 16.

That meant Wenger had the chance to watch some of his fringe players more closely, with Yaya Sanogo back in training after a loan spell at Charlton last season, Chuba Akpom, who helped Hull to promotion, and Mathieu Debuchy, who was on loan at Bordeaux, all returning.Ā 

Striker Chuba Akpom, back from a loan spell with newly-promoted Hull, takes part in the training session

Striker Chuba Akpom, back from a loan spell with newly-promoted Hull, takes part in the training session

England defenders Chambers and Gibbs share a joke as the Gunners began preparations for the new season

England defenders Chambers and Gibbs share a joke as the Gunners began preparations for the new season

Central defenders Calum Chambers and Gabriel, who could be needed to cover for Koscielny should he return from the Euros tired after playing in every France game, were also both involved.

There was also a hint at a first-team spot for promising teenager Jeff Reine-Adelaide, who was spotted wearing the No 20 shirt in the session.Ā 

The French midfielder wore No 54 last season, and made two appearances, both in the FA Cup. But the fact that he has seemingly been given Mathieu Flamini's old shirt number would suggest a greater involvement this year.

Wenger meanwhile appeared satisfied as he watched on, talking to assistant Steve Bould, fitness coach Tony Colbert and academy head Andries Jonker during the session.

The Arsenal boss, who is believed to be a target for the FA as they look to replace Roy Hodgson, has one year remaining on his contract at the Emirates, although the club could offer him a new deal to stave off interest from England.Ā 

Per Mertesacker was not involved at Euro 2016 because he has retired from international football

Per Mertesacker was not involved at Euro 2016 because he has retired from international football

Chambers was not as involved as he would have hoped last season, but was back training with the first team

Chambers was not as involved as he would have hoped last season, but was back training with the first team

Akpom, Iwobi and Reine-Adelaide are three young prospects who will be hoping to break into the first team

Akpom, Iwobi and Reine-Adelaide are three young prospects who will be hoping to break into the first team

Arsene Wenger casts a watchful eye over his players alongside fitness coach Tony Colbert

Arsene Wenger casts a watchful eye over his players alongside fitness coach Tony Colbert

The Arsenal boss talks to head of academy Andries Jonker as the pair watch their side in training

The Arsenal boss talks to head of academy Andries Jonker as the pair watch their side in training

Wenger is still looking to add to his squad following the arrivals of Xhaka and Japanese youngster Takuma Asano, but admitted on Wednesday that Britain's exit from the EU could have an impact on his, and other Premier League clubs', transfer policy. Ā 

'The players are going to see their salaries drop a little bit and the competition with Germany, for example, is going to be stronger,' said Wenger.

'But that's part of the risks of the profession and that worries me less.

Iwobi and Monreal, both of whom improved hugely during last season, put the yards in during pre-season

Yaya Sanogo, who spent the latter part of last season on loan at Charlton, was back at London Colney

Yaya Sanogo, who spent the latter part of last season on loan at Charlton, was back at London Colney

Sanogo hitches a ride on the back of Akpom, as he looks to make his mark back at the club this season

Sanogo hitches a ride on the back of Akpom, as he looks to make his mark back at the club this season

'England has, all the same, a lot of resources in terms of finances. There's leeway with the [TV] money that's going to be brought in this year as well.

'But in my opinion it's particularly in the long term that there are questions. The way in which England leaves Europe will dictate the future of the Premier League.

'If the league becomes less attractive, TV companies will spend less money, the revenues of clubs are going to decrease and the Premier League is going to suffer the consequences. That's where the problem is.'

Ā 

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