Three Arsenal stars handed last chance to impress Mikel Arteta at Marbella summer training camp

The next couple of weeks could be crucial in determining the long-term futures of three Arsenal players.

Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah struggled for regular game time under Mikel Arteta last season and were often on the fringes of a place in the starting XI. In fact, the trio started 14 Premier League matches combined across the campaign - and just three of those came in 2024.

That has seen speculation rise over whether the Gunners may want to cash in on those players this summer. However, it does seem that Arteta could have given the trio one last chance to impress and prove why they should stay at the Emirates going into the 2024/25 campaign.

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Nelson, Smith Rowe and Nketiah are part of the six-man Arsenal contingent who have travelled out with Arteta to Marbella for a pre-preseason summer training camp. Ben White, Fabio Viera, Jurrien Timber are the other three involved, with Martin Odegaard set to join up with the squad soon.

In total, 10 players are set to make up the final group for the camp, which is designed to ensure players hit the ground running next season. Sessions are focused on building fitness as the Gunners gear up for their pre-season campaign, with a pre-season camp to the United States planned.

This smaller camp will allow Arteta the chance to have a closer look at the initial six involved, including Nelson, Smith Rowe and Nketiah. Although the idea of the training camp is to help improve and build fitness levels, the trio have the chance to show Arteta that they are ready for next season.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Nelson has told the Gunners he would like to assess his options for a potential summer transfer after struggling for regular game time. The 24-year-old, who signed a new four-year contract - with an option of a fifth - last July, made just one Premier League start last season. He was not in the squad for the final five matches, and totalled just 15 top-flight appearances. He scored one goal in all competitions, which came in the 1-0 victory over Brentford in the Carabao Cup.

Despite his lack of game time, the Gunners rejected approaches in January and would want around £20million including all-ons if they decide to sell him. Crystal Palace, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and West Ham are said to be among his potential suitors should he leave the club in the summer window.

Smith Rowe has struggled with injuries over the past couple of years and he managed just three Premier League starts last season, with the last one coming against Luton in April. He made 13 league appearances, contributing with two assists. He has been linked with a move to Aston Villa and West Ham.

Meanwhile, Nketiah was their first-choice no.9 at the start of the season but faded away and ended up falling out of favour. He scored on the opening day against Nottingham Forest and notched a hat-trick against Sheffield United in October. However, Nketiah did not start one Premier League match in 2024, with his last coming in the 2-1 defeat at Fulham. The Gunners reportedly want £50million for the forward.