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...
And soon, once those last two matches were played, the real season would begin.
The whistle echoed across the grass.
Training began the way it usually did under the watchful eye of Arsène Wenger that structured, calm, and purposeful.
The players spread out across the training pitch at London Colney Training Centre while the assistant coaches guided them into their warm-up routines.
Jogging first.
Light stretching.
Short sprints between the cones.
Francesco could already feel his body responding again to the familiar rhythm. The slight stiffness from travel was gone now. His legs felt sharp again, the way they always did when a new season began approaching.
Walker jogged beside him during the first laps around the pitch.
"Feel normal again?" Walker asked.
"Yeah," Francesco replied. "Jet lag finally gone."
Walker nodded.
"Good. Because the boss looks like he plans to kill us today."
Across the field Wenger stood observing quietly, occasionally speaking with one of the assistant coaches.
The warm-up eventually transitioned into possession drills.
Short passes.
Quick movement.
Two-touch play.
Van Dijk controlled the ball near the center circle and pinged a pass toward Robertson, who flicked it immediately into Francesco's path.
Francesco took the ball with the inside of his foot and turned quickly.
Giroud called for it.
"Here!"
Francesco chipped a quick pass over the pressing defender.
Giroud nodded approvingly.
"Nice."
The training tempo gradually increased.
Small-sided matches began.
Wenger occasionally blew the whistle to stop play and correct positioning.
"Closer together."
"Move the ball faster."
"Use the width."
Typical Wenger instructions, simple but precise.
The players responded immediately.
After nearly two hours the session ended.
The team gathered briefly while Wenger spoke again.
"We continue tomorrow," he said calmly.
"The match against SL Benfica is approaching."
He glanced across the squad.
"Be ready."
The following days passed quickly.
Training sessions repeated their rhythm every morning.
Arrival at London Colney.
Changing in the dressing room.
Warm-ups.
Drills.
Tactical exercises.
Match simulations.
Each session slowly sharpened the team.
Francesco noticed the chemistry improving again between teammates who had spent the summer scattered across international tournaments and holidays.
Özil's passes became sharper.
Sánchez's movement returned to full speed.
Walker and Robertson bombed down the flanks relentlessly.
Giroud, as always, finished everything inside the penalty box.
One afternoon during a tactical scrimmage, Wenger stopped the play suddenly.
"Francesco," he called.
Francesco turned.
"Yes, boss?"
"When Alexis receives the ball here…"
Wenger pointed at the edge of the box.
"…you must anticipate the second movement."
Francesco nodded.
"Run behind the defenders."
"Exactly."
Moments later the drill resumed.
This time when Sánchez received the pass, Francesco immediately darted between two defenders.
The through ball arrived perfectly.
Goal.
Wenger nodded slightly.
"Better."
Those small corrections were typical of Wenger's coaching style.
Precise.
Subtle.
But incredibly effective.
⸻
Match Day: Arsenal vs Benfica
Soon the day arrived.
The first of their final preseason matches.
The players arrived at Emirates Stadium in the late afternoon.
Even though it was technically a preseason game, the atmosphere already carried the familiar buzz of matchday.
Fans in red shirts filled the stands.
Scarves waved.
Music echoed around the stadium speakers.
Francesco stepped onto the pitch during warm-ups and looked around.
The Emirates always felt special.
Even in preseason.
Giroud walked beside him, stretching his arms.
"Feels good to be back here."
Francesco nodded.
"Always."
Across the field the players of SL Benfica warmed up as well.
Strong team.
Quick attackers.
Disciplined midfield.
A good test before the real season.
The referee's whistle blew.
The match began.
Arsenal immediately looked sharp.
Their passing tempo was fast.
Confident.
The preseason work at London Colney had clearly paid off.
In the 12th minute the first breakthrough arrived.
Özil received the ball just outside the penalty area.
His vision immediately spotted Francesco making a diagonal run between two Benfica defenders.
The pass slid through perfectly.
Francesco controlled the ball with one touch.
The goalkeeper rushed forward.
Francesco calmly placed the shot into the bottom corner.
Goal.
The stadium erupted.
Arsenal 1 – 0 Benfica.
Francesco raised his arms briefly while teammates rushed toward him.
Giroud wrapped him in a quick hug.
"Good start."
The game continued with Arsenal dominating possession.
Walker surged down the right wing repeatedly, delivering dangerous crosses into the box.
One of those crosses led to the second goal.
Minute 33.
Walker sprinted past the defender and whipped the ball across the penalty area.
Theo Walcott arrived at the far post.
One touch.
Finish.
Goal.
Arsenal 2 – 0 Benfica.
The Emirates crowd roared again.
Walcott pointed toward Walker in celebration.
Francesco jogged back toward midfield smiling.
Two goals before halftime.
Exactly the kind of performance Wenger wanted.
The remainder of the first half remained comfortable for Arsenal.
When the referee blew the halftime whistle, the scoreboard showed:
Arsenal 2 – 0 Benfica
Goals:
Francesco
Walcott
The second half began with several substitutions.
Wenger wanted to give more players minutes.
Despite the changes, Arsenal's dominance continued.
In the 61st minute the third goal arrived.
Robertson delivered a high cross into the penalty area.
Giroud positioned himself perfectly between two defenders.
The French striker rose into the air.
Powerful header.
Goal.
Arsenal 3 – 0 Benfica.
Giroud raised both fists triumphantly while the crowd cheered loudly.
Walker shouted from midfield.
"Of course it's a header!"
Giroud grinned.
"That's what I do."
The fourth and final goal came later in the match.
Young winger Serge Gnabry received the ball near the edge of the box.
He dribbled past one defender.
Then another.
Before firing a precise shot into the far corner.
Goal.
Arsenal 4 – 0 Benfica.
The stadium erupted once more.
Francesco applauded the young winger from midfield.
"Great finish!"
The match eventually ended with that same scoreline.
Final Score:
Arsenal 4 – 0 Benfica
Goals:
Francesco
Walcott
Giroud
Gnabry
It had been a perfect preseason performance.
Strong attacking play.
Solid defense.
And most importantly, confidence.
The next day arrived quickly.
Another match awaited.
The final preseason test.
Once again the team gathered at Emirates Stadium.
Their opponent this time: Sevilla FC.
However, Wenger had already made a decision.
This match would be different.
In the dressing room before kickoff, he addressed the squad.
"Some of you will rest today," he explained calmly.
"The season is long."
He glanced toward Francesco.
"And you."
Then toward Özil.
"You both played yesterday."
Francesco nodded.
No argument there.
Wenger preferred rotating players in preseason to avoid unnecessary fatigue or injuries.
So Francesco and Mesut Özil remained on the bench.
Watching.
Observing.
Supporting their teammates.
The match itself was tighter than the previous day.
Sevilla played with typical Spanish discipline.
Their midfield pressed aggressively.
Their defense remained compact.
The game stayed scoreless through most of the first half.
Francesco watched from the bench beside Özil.
"Different style," Özil muttered quietly.
"Yeah," Francesco replied.
"More possession."
The decisive moment finally arrived midway through the second half.
A cross from the left side floated into the penalty area.
Giroud positioned himself once again between the defenders.
The French striker jumped.
Header.
Goal.
Arsenal 1 – 0 Sevilla.
Francesco clapped loudly from the bench.
"Nice one!"
Giroud pointed toward the sideline in celebration.
The remainder of the match remained tense, but Arsenal defended well.
When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read:
Arsenal 1 – 0 Sevilla
Goal:
Giroud.
The players slowly walked back toward the tunnel.
Two victories.
Five goals scored.
Zero conceded.
Preseason had ended on the perfect note.
Francesco walked beside Giroud.
"Not bad," Francesco said.
Giroud smirked.
"Two goals in two days."
"You're on fire."
Giroud laughed.
"Wait until the league starts."
Behind them Wenger walked calmly across the pitch, speaking quietly with one of the assistant coaches.
Everything had gone according to plan.
The squad looked sharp.
Fitness levels were high.
Confidence was growing.
And soon, the long Premier League season was finally about to start.
The walk back through the tunnel after the victory felt relaxed.
Preseason always carried a slightly different mood compared to competitive matches. There was satisfaction in winning, of course, but the atmosphere remained lighter. Less pressure. Less urgency. More about preparation than survival.
Still, winning always felt better than losing.
Inside the dressing room at Emirates Stadium the players slowly settled back into their usual post-match routine.
Boots came off.
Tape peeled from wrists.
Showers turned on.
The air filled with the mixed sounds of running water, laughter, and casual conversation.
Olivier Giroud dropped onto the bench beside his locker, still slightly sweaty from the match but clearly pleased with himself.
"Two goals in two days," he said again proudly.
Across from him, Theo Walcott chuckled while tying his shoelaces.
"You'll remind us of that all week, won't you?"
Giroud shrugged.
"Maybe all season."
Laughter rippled around the room.
Francesco sat quietly at his own locker, pulling off his shin guards. Even though he hadn't played in this match, he had warmed up along the sideline and kept himself moving throughout the game.
Beside him, Mesut Özil leaned back against the bench, casually scrolling through his phone.
"Giroud already trending," Özil said with a faint smile.
Giroud raised an eyebrow.
"Of course I am."
Francesco shook his head.
"You love attention too much."
"Not possible," Giroud replied.
Across the room the door opened and Arsène Wenger stepped inside.
The chatter slowly quieted.
Wenger stood calmly in the middle of the room with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression composed as always.
"Good work today," he said.
His voice was calm, but there was quiet satisfaction behind it.
"Two matches. Two victories."
He glanced around the room.
"No injuries."
"That is the most important part."
Several players nodded.
Wenger continued.
"You have worked hard during preseason."
"Now we prepare for the real competition."
He paused briefly before adding one more sentence.
"Tomorrow, you have the day off."
A few players smiled immediately.
"Recover."
"Spend time with your families."
"We resume training after."
Then, as always, Wenger simply nodded once and left the dressing room.
The relaxed chatter returned almost instantly.
Walker clapped his hands together.
"Day off tomorrow!"
Robertson laughed.
"Finally."
Francesco stood up and grabbed his bag.
For him, the idea of a quiet day at home sounded perfect.
Morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of Francesco's mansion in Richmond.
The house was peaceful.
No alarms.
No rushing to training.
No tactical meetings.
Just quiet.
Francesco sat comfortably on the large couch in the living room, leaning back into the soft cushions.
Beside him sat Leah, relaxed with her legs tucked beneath her as she held a mug of tea.
Across the room, Cheddar was fully engaged in a very serious battle with one of his squeaky toys.
The tiny dog pounced, chewed, rolled onto his back, then attacked again with relentless enthusiasm.
Francesco watched him for a moment and laughed.
"I think he believes he's fighting a dragon."
Leah smiled.
"He always wins."
Cheddar squeaked the toy loudly as if confirming the victory.
The television in front of them played quietly.
It was one of the football news channels, cycling through preseason highlights and transfer updates as clubs across Europe finalized their squads before the season began.
Francesco wasn't paying much attention at first.
His mind was still enjoying the calm of the day off.
But then the headline on the screen changed.
TRANSFER NEWS – ARSENAL DEAL CONFIRMED
Francesco leaned forward slightly.
Leah noticed.
"Something interesting?"
"Maybe."
The broadcast shifted to a reporter standing outside the stadium.
Behind him the familiar red structure of Emirates Stadium filled the background.
The reporter began speaking.
"Breaking news regarding Arsenal this morning…"
Francesco raised an eyebrow.
Leah glanced at the screen as well.
"…the club has completed the signing of a young goalkeeper from Blackburn Rovers F.C.."
A photo appeared on the screen.
A young goalkeeper holding a ball, wearing a Blackburn training kit.
"Spanish goalkeeper David Raya joins Arsenal for a reported fee of three million pounds."
Francesco nodded slowly.
"Interesting."
Leah tilted her head slightly.
"Do you know him?"
"Yes," Francesco said. "I've told about him to the boss."
The reporter continued.
"At the same time, Arsenal have agreed to sell Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina to SSC Napoli for approximately six and a half million pounds."
Leah glanced toward Francesco again.
"That's a good deal, right?"
Francesco thought about it for a moment.
"Ospina is experienced."
"He's a good keeper."
"But if Wenger wants to bring in younger players…"
He shrugged.
"…that's football."
Transfers were part of the game.
Players arrived.
Players left.
It was the cycle every club experienced.
The TV showed a short highlight reel of Raya making saves for Blackburn.
Quick reflex stops.
Strong distribution.
Good positioning.
Francesco leaned forward slightly.
"Looks confident."
Leah smiled.
"You're analyzing already."
"Habit."
Cheddar suddenly ran across the room chasing another toy, sliding slightly across the wooden floor before crashing into the couch.
Francesco laughed again.
Leah reached down and scratched the dog's head.
"You think he'll start?"
Francesco shook his head.
"Probably not immediately."
"He's young."
"Most likely backup first."
"But Wenger likes developing players."
On the television the news segment ended and switched to other transfer rumors across Europe.
Francesco leaned back into the couch again.
Days like this were rare during a football season.
Moments of calm before the storm of competition.
Leah rested her head lightly against his shoulder.
"Season starts soon."
"Yeah."
"You ready?"
Francesco looked at the television for a moment, watching a replay of Arsenal's preseason goals appear on the screen.
Then he nodded slowly.
"Always."
Cheddar jumped onto the couch between them again, proudly carrying the squeaky toy like a trophy.
Francesco scratched the dog's ears while the quiet afternoon continued.
Outside, the peaceful neighborhood of Richmond remained calm.
The afternoon in Richmond drifted along slowly, the way quiet days always seemed to do.
Nothing urgent.
Nothing pressing.
Just the calm rhythm of a house that finally had a moment to breathe.
Francesco and Leah stayed on the couch for a while after the transfer segment ended. The television moved on to other football stories across Europe from rumors, pundit discussions, predictions about the upcoming season but Francesco barely paid attention anymore.
Cheddar had moved on from the squeaky toy and now lay stretched across the carpet, panting lightly after his heroic battle.
Leah glanced toward the dog.
"I think he's finally defeated the dragon."
Francesco chuckled.
"Until the rematch tomorrow."
Leah leaned her head against his shoulder again, comfortably.
Outside the tall windows, the Richmond neighborhood remained quiet and green. The hedges around the property shielded the garden from the street, leaving the house wrapped in a peaceful bubble that felt very far away from stadium crowds and roaring supporters.
Days like this rarely happened during the season.
Francesco knew it.
Soon there would be league matches every weekend.
Training sessions every morning.
Travel days.
Media days.
Recovery sessions.
It never really stopped once the season began.
But today was quiet.
And he intended to enjoy every minute of it.
The following day arrived with a different energy.
The alarm rang early again.
Not painfully early, but early enough to signal the return of normal football life.
Francesco reached across the bedside table and silenced the phone.
6:30 AM.
Training day again.
He stretched slowly, letting his muscles wake up before sitting up in bed.
Beside him, Leah stirred slightly.
"You're leaving already?"
"Training."
She smiled sleepily.
"Try not to break anyone today."
"No promises."
Cheddar, who had somehow migrated onto the bed during the night, lifted his head lazily before deciding sleep was more important than whatever mission Francesco was about to undertake.
Francesco showered, dressed, and headed downstairs.
Coffee first.
Always.
The kitchen filled with the familiar aroma as the machine worked.
Outside, the sky was still pale and quiet.
A typical early London morning.
He grabbed a quick breakfast from toast, fruit, another coffee and soon enough he was stepping outside again.
The familiar black BMW X5 waited in the driveway.
Francesco slid into the driver's seat and started the engine.
The soft hum filled the quiet street as he pulled away from the mansion and began the drive toward the training ground.
The drive to London Colney Training Centre felt routine by now.
The roads slowly grew busier as commuters began their own mornings.
Music played quietly through the speakers while Francesco drove north toward the familiar training complex.
Soon the entrance gate appeared.
Security waved him through immediately.
Inside, the green training fields stretched out under the soft morning light.
Several cars were already parked outside the main building.
Walker.
Robertson.
Van Dijk.
Giroud.
Francesco parked and grabbed his bag before heading inside.
The hallway buzzed with the usual sounds.
Boots hitting the floor.
Players greeting each other.
Laughter echoing through the corridor.
As he stepped into the dressing room, Walker immediately spotted him.
"There he is."
Francesco dropped his bag beside his locker.
"Morning."
Robertson nodded from across the room.
"Good sleep?"
"Finally."
Giroud appeared from the shower area, already dressed in training gear.
"Boss said we meet outside in ten minutes."
Francesco started pulling on his training shirt.
Then Walker added something else.
"Oh, and we've got someone new today."
Francesco looked up.
"Raya?"
Walker nodded.
"Yep."
Moments later the dressing room door opened again.
A young goalkeeper stepped inside, looking slightly nervous but trying to appear calm.
It was David Raya.
Behind him stood Arsène Wenger.
The room quieted slightly as Wenger gestured toward the newcomer.
"Gentlemen," Wenger said calmly.
"This is David."
"He joins us from Blackburn Rovers."
Raya nodded politely.
"Hello."
Wenger looked around the room.
"I trust you will welcome him properly."
Giroud raised his hand.
"Does he bring pastries?"
Laughter erupted immediately.
Even Raya smiled nervously.
Wenger shook his head with mild amusement.
"No pastries."
"Just goalkeeping."
Francesco stepped forward and offered his hand.
"Welcome to Arsenal."
Raya shook it.
"Thank you."
Walker clapped the young goalkeeper on the shoulder.
"Don't worry," Walker said.
"If you survive the first training session, you'll be fine."
Raya laughed.
"I hope so."
As the players began changing into training gear, Francesco looked around the dressing room again.
Something felt slightly different.
Someone was missing.
He glanced toward Walker.
"Where's Ox?"
Walker's expression shifted slightly.
"You didn't hear?"
Francesco frowned.
"Hear what?"
Robertson answered from across the room.
"He's gone."
"Gone where?"
Walker leaned against the locker.
"Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain got sold yesterday."
Francesco blinked.
"Seriously?"
Walker nodded.
"To Liverpool."
Robertson added the final detail.
"Forty-five million pounds."
Francesco leaned back slightly.
That was a big transfer.
Oxlade-Chamberlain had been part of the squad for years.
A powerful runner.
Versatile midfielder.
A familiar face in the dressing room.
Football moved fast.
Players came and went.
But sometimes the changes still felt sudden.
Giroud shrugged.
"Big money."
Walker nodded.
"Yeah."
Francesco sat down and finished tying his boots.
Another change.
Another shift in the squad.
That was the nature of football.
Before the players could head outside, the dressing room door opened again.
This time it wasn't Wenger.
Instead, the club's sporting director stepped inside with another unfamiliar face beside him.
A tall young defender with dark hair.
He looked around the room with the cautious curiosity of someone entering a completely new environment.
The director cleared his throat.
"Gentlemen."
"This is our new signing."
He gestured toward the young defender.
"Konstantinos Mavropanos."
Several players exchanged glances.
The director continued.
"He joins us from PAS Giannina F.C.."
"Transfer fee approximately one point nine million pounds."
Mavropanos nodded respectfully.
"Hello."
Van Dijk stepped forward first.
"Center back?"
Mavropanos nodded.
"Yes."
Van Dijk smiled.
"Good."
"We need more defenders."
The room relaxed slightly.
Francesco walked over and shook his hand as well.
"Welcome."
"Thank you."
Mavropanos looked slightly overwhelmed but clearly excited.
Joining a club like Arsenal was a dream for many young players.
Giroud leaned toward Walker and whispered loudly enough for half the room to hear.
"Does he bring pastries?"
Walker burst out laughing.
Even Mavropanos smiled.
⸻
Training Begins
A few minutes later the squad stepped out onto the training pitches at London Colney Training Centre.
The grass shimmered slightly under the morning sunlight.
Cones were already arranged across the field.
Assistant coaches waited nearby.
And Wenger stood calmly in his usual spot near the center.
He watched the squad approach.
Two new faces now stood among them.
Raya.
Mavropanos.
Wenger nodded slightly.
"Good morning."
The players answered together.
"Morning boss."
Wenger gestured toward the field.
"Let us begin."
The warm-up started immediately.
Jogging laps.
Stretching.
Short acceleration drills.
Raya worked with the goalkeeper coach near one end of the pitch.
Francesco noticed the young Spaniard diving quickly for low shots during the first goalkeeping drill.
Fast reflexes.
Good positioning.
"Not bad," Walker muttered beside him.
Francesco nodded.
"Yeah."
On the other side of the pitch, Mavropanos joined the defensive unit.
Van Dijk immediately began talking to him during positioning drills.
"Stay tight here."
"Watch the runner."
"Communicate."
Mavropanos listened carefully.
Every new player needed time to adjust.
But the first impression looked promising.
As the training session continued, the changing shape of the squad became clearer.
Oxlade-Chamberlain gone.
Raya arrived.
Mavropanos arriving as well.
Football squads constantly evolved.
Some changes happened quietly.
Others came with headlines.
But for the players on the pitch, the focus remained the same.
Train.
Improve.
Prepare for the season ahead.
Francesco received a pass from Özil during a finishing drill and curled the ball into the corner of the net.
Behind him, Wenger watched quietly.
The season was almost here.
The squad was taking its final shape.
New players arriving.
Others departing.
But one thing remained constant.
The work.
And it continued under the quiet London sky at London Colney.
______________________________________________
Name : Francesco Lee
Age : 18 (2016)
Birthplace : London, England
Football Club : Arsenal First Team
Championship History : 2014/2015 Premier League, 2014/2015 FA Cup, 2015/2016 Community Shield, 2016/2017 Premier League, 2015/2016 Champions League, Euro 2016, Premier League Champion 2016/2017, and 2016/2017 Champions League.
Season 17/18 stats:
Arsenal:
Match: 7
Goal: 8
Assist: 0
MOTM: 0
POTM: 0
England:
Match: 0
Goal: 0
Assist: 0
MOTM: 0
Season 16/17 stats:
Arsenal:
Match: 55
Goal: 87
Assist: 5
MOTM: 14
POTM: 1
England:
Match: 1
Goal: 1
Assist: 0
MOTM: 0
Season 15/16 stats:
Arsenal:
Match Played: 60
Goal: 82
Assist: 10
MOTM: 9
POTM: 1
England:
Match Played: 2
Goal: 4
Assist: 0
Euro 2016
Match Played: 6
Goal: 13
Assist: 4
MOTM: 6
Season 14/15 stats:
Match Played: 35
Goal: 45
Assist: 12
MOTM: 9