The Unai Emery era has gotten off to a bright start at Arsenal, with the club dispatching the likes of Boreham Wood and Paris Saint-Germain with consummate ease but fans have been dying to get a glimpse of summer recruits Lucas Torreia and Stephan Lichsteiner.
And on Monday, the Gunners faithful got their wish as the aforementioned duo returned from their respective holidays to officially start their pre-season training.
The North Londoners, who played two games in Singapore before returning to their Colney base in the English capital.
Torreia’s acquisition in particular, has lifted the spirts of a fanbase that has gotten accustomed to seeing their team collapse.
A typically hardworking South American, the defensive midfielder is adept enough on the ball and is seen by many at the club as the man who will shield their brittle defence for the years to come.
Here’s the video, which is getting the club’s fans excited:
They’re here! 😆@LTorreira34 ✅ @LichtsteinerSte ✅ pic.twitter.com/0LAFA1poxU
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) July 30, 2018
It’s very early days, but already Torreia looks accomplished on the ball and isn’t afraid to spray it around the park.
Since the days of Patrick Vieira, the fans have been crying out for a proper defensive midfielder and while the diminutive Uruguyan has a different approach to the game as compared to the towering Frenchman, that can be a good thing.
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The 22-year-old isn’t gifted with physical prowess for he stands at just 5’6, but is tactically very sound and possess a great engine.
Lichsteiner too, is expected to shore up the backline and while the experienced Swiss international is primarily seen as a backup to Hector Bellerin, he will be an important figure in the dressing room.
The Gunners faithful can see the club’s latest acquisitions in action when they take on London rivals Chelsea in their final pre-season tie on Wednesday night.
Arsenal open their 2018/19 Premier League campaign with a home tie against defending champions Manchester City on August 12 and will hope their new players are up to speed by then.
On the matter of further transfers, Emery has not ruled out any more additions but at this late stage in the window, it is unlikely that the Gunners will take out their chequebook again.