Arsenal’s new number 14 Eddie Nketiah scores hat-trick in friendly against Ipswich Town | american football

The Gunners are already back at work on their training ground as they prepare for the 2022/23 campaign.

The preseason kicked off with a meeting against League One side Ipswich, with Mikel Arteta picking several first-team members into the starting XI including Nketiah, Thomas Partey, Nicolas Pepe and Ben White.

Nketiah recently signed a new long-term deal with the club and was given the iconic number 14 shirt once worn by club legend Thierry Henry.

The Gunners Academy graduate scored a hat-trick on London Colney within 35 minutes and provided an assist for Albert Sambi Lokonga to make it 4-0 before half-time.

Arteta then decided to make 11 substitutions at halftime to give the youth players the chance to shine.

Hale End academy star Folarin Balogun found the back of the net to make it 5-0 before the visitors scored a consolation goal through Sone Aluko.

Gunners fans are hoping more players will be added to the roster by the time the next pre-season friendly against Nurnberg takes place on July 8.

The £45m transfer for Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus is expected to be announced soon after the striker was photographed at the Emirates Stadium earlier this week.

After meeting Nuremberg, Arsenal will have to play three friendlies in the US, followed by a clash against Sevilla in the Emirates Cup.

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