As Arsenal kick off their much-anticipated preseason tour across Asia, not every piece of their carefully planned puzzle has fallen into place. The squad might be on the move, but a few key names—both newcomers and potential signings—have been left behind or remain in limbo. For Mikel Arteta, it’s a mixed bag: excitement around fresh arrivals tempered by logistical setbacks and unfinished business.
One of the most notable absentees is Cristhian Mosquera, the 21-year-old center-back from Valencia who has just completed his medical and posed in Arsenal gear. Despite all the right steps being taken—paperwork submitted, club media duties done—the timing didn’t align. The formalities of the £16.5 million transfer, though nearly wrapped up, weren’t finalized in time for him to hop on the plane. While Arsenal hopes he’ll catch up with the squad later on, for now, Mosquera remains in London.
Another no-show is Noni Madueke, recently crowned Club World Cup champion with Chelsea. The £52 million signing has been given extended leave, a decision rooted in his summer workload with his former club. He’s expected to integrate into Arsenal’s full training schedule by early August, just in time for the final pair of preseason friendlies at the Emirates Stadium.
The preseason isn’t just about who’s arrived—it’s also about who hasn’t. Arsenal’s interest in Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres remains high, but ongoing negotiations with the Portuguese club have dragged on longer than expected. Should the striker finally sign on the dotted line, there’s a good chance he’ll miss the entire preseason preparation period, limiting his chances to gel with the squad before the season begins.
Other players are absent for different reasons. Fabio Vieira, once a promising midfield asset, has also been granted time off following his participation in the Club World Cup with Porto. While he isn’t part of the traveling party, his future seems to lie elsewhere, with Parma—led by Arteta’s former assistant Carlos Cuesta—showing serious interest.
Reiss Nelson, on the other hand, is making the trip, even as Fulham eyes a potential move to bring him back after his injury-cut loan spell. His current Arsenal deal runs until 2025, with the club holding an option for another year. Meanwhile, Albert Sambi Lokonga, fresh from a stint at Sevilla, is also among the group—but his inclusion feels more like a shop window opportunity, as he’s widely available for transfer.
