Como friendly gives Mikel Arteta and Arsenal more than just a fitness-building exercise

Arsenal host Como in their final pre-season friendly on Wednesday evening, and Mikel Arteta must use this match as more than just a fitness-building exercise.

The Gunners have lost their last two pre-season encounters, defeated by Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund over the last week. These defeats alone should provide Arteta and his players with the fuel to reverse their fortunes and beat Cesc Fabregas' side on Wednesday. They cannot allow negative vibes to affect the atmosphere around the Emirates heading into the season, and a third defeat on the trot would certainly do this.

That said, the primary objective of pre-season matches is to build match fitness and sharpness. The bulk of Arsenal's squad is now back in training, so this game could serve as a first opportunity for several players to commence their journey towards season-readiness.

However, pre-season fixtures can also provide coaches and recruitment staff with the opportunity to take a look at prospective new signings. Arsenal reportedly scouted Arnau Martinez against Girona, and they now have the chance to evaluate another potential centre-back signing when they face Fabregas' men at the Emirates.

Arsenal can scout Jacobo Ramon in Como friendly

Arsenal will be without William Saliba as the Frenchman recovers from a back injury he has been carrying for several months. This setback has prompted the Gunners to pursue a defender in the remaining weeks of the window, with the likes of Ezri Konsa, Cristian Romero and Jules Kounde all loosely linked with a switch to the Emirates.

Another man supposedly on the Gunners' radar is Como's Jacobo Ramon. The credible HandofArsenal reported back in July that the Gunners hold an interest in the Spanish centre-back.

While Como are said to be reluctant to sanction the 21-year-old's departure, the Gunners can surely tempt the Serie A side into selling by tabling a lucrative offer. The North Londoners could also unsettle the player by approaching him directly, before going to Como - a frowned upon, but highly effective approach.

Ramon is an aerially impressive young centre-back who is influential in possession, attempting risky line-breaking passes throughout games. This blend of attributes makes him a natural replacement for Saliba in the short-term, while he has room to grow alongside Cristhian Mosquera in the longer term.

Ramon should feature in N5 on Wednesday as he and his teammates prepare for a season in the Champions League. Arsenal scouts will no doubt have their eyes glued to the prospect, and this fixture could well give them a better idea of how he copes playing at the top level.

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