With the summer’s big event coming to a close, it is just about time to shift gears to Arsenal matters.

Indeed, this post-season has not been short of action in north London by any means but the World Cup has duly overshadowed most of it.

The Gunners welcomed Marouane Chamakh as their first signing of the summer just over a month ago while Fran Merida chose to leave for Atletico Madrid.

Reserves youngsters Kerrea Gilbert, Luke Ayling, Sam Byles, Rhema Obed and James Dunn have been released by the club while scholars Daniel Boateng, Nico Yennaris and Roarie Deacon made the step up to becoming professionals.

Arsenal have also been busy unveiling new kits, making a rare double-launch of next season’s home and away strips recently.

Pre-season now beckons and this year’s edition will be highly anticipated.

2010/11’s preparations will begin in less than two weeks on July 17 against Barnet and the friendly at Underhill Stadium is likely to be Marouane Chamakh’s first taste of action in an Arsenal shirt.

This traditional pre-season fixture has been notable in recent years for the debuts of Eduardo in 2007, Aaron Ramsey a year later and Thomas Vermaelen last summer.

Relive last year’s meeting with Barnet below!

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