Arsenal are still really active in the market as they look to improve their squad, but Mikel Arteta could be without one of his new singings for the opening game of their Premier League title defence. The Gunners kick off the new campaign on Friday when they welcome newly promoted Coventry City to Emirates Stadium.However, they could be without Bruno Guimaraes for that game, the midfielder dealing with an injury having been replaced after the first half of Arsenals 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield last Sunday.Lets see how it is, Arteta told his pre-match press conference when asked about Guimaraes. Hes evolving really well, but lets see for tomorrow.Fellow midfielder Declan Rice and winger Bukayo Saka are available to feature, but right-back Jurrien Timber has yet to re-join training with the squad as he recovers from a groin injury.It is defence where Arsenal are poised to add further to their squad, with the Gunners closing in on a deal with Aston Villa for centre-back Ezri Konsa, a signing that, when confirmed, will negate some of the impact of William Salibas absence.On their remaining transfer business, Arteta said: We are really active in the market. I think I mentioned that a few days ago. The ambition is to improve the squad. Obviously we have a really specific issue in the back line, especially with the long term injury of Willi and the fact that we miss one more defender thats clear. So we are trying to reinforce that area. Whenever were ready, well announce something.Im always positive, Im always confident. Its something that I cannot control. It doesnt depend just on us. So we are willing to improve that area, and were going to try our best to achieve that.One player who has been linked with a move away from North London is Myles Lewis-Skelly, whose versatility came to the fore last season as he was used in midfield as well as at the back.And Arteta made the Gunners stance on a Lewis-Skelly transfer clear.Pressed on whether the 19-year-old would be staying at the club, Arteta replied: 100 per cent. Topics Arsenal F.C. Premier League Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Arsenal v Coventry: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch Jon Fisher 20th August, 2026 Liverpool: Van Dijk relishing chance to bounce back from unacceptable season Nicholas McGee 20th August, 2026 Ederson breaks silence on failed Man United medical: I honestly dont know what happened Nicholas McGee 19th August, 2026 Fantasy Premier League 2026/27: Five goalkeepers to target in Gameweek 1 an option for every strategy Blake Hurst 19th August, 2026 Tijjani Reijnders: Man City praise star after move to Al Qadsiah Ben Miller 20th August, 2026 Newcastle confirm Keegan tribute plans for Premier League opener with Liverpool Nicholas McGee 19th August, 2026
