ARSENAL fielded a starting XI worth nearly £230million in transfer fees in Saturday’s secret pre-season friendly against Leyton Orient.
Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard led the way as Mikel Arteta’s men secured a 2-0 victory in a behind-closed-doors friendly at London Colney – now known as the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
League One Orient put in a brave showing against their London rivals, who scored through Jesus and sub Emile Smith Rowe.
But Arsenal were too strong thanks to an incredible starting XI featuring nine senior stars.
Karl Hein was picked in goal, with Ben White and Jurrien Timber getting nods in defence.
Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira and Odegaard were selected as Arsenal’s midfield three.
While a formidable attack of Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah and Jesus led the line up-front.
Also getting a start was 17-year-old defender Ayden Heaven.
While midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly, also 17, appeared to operate as a hybrid left-back.
Arsenal’s starting XI was therefore worth a combined £227m in transfer fees paid by the Gunners.
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And the XI’s current value, including academy players, is now up to £301.2m, according to numbers from Transfermarkt.
And Orient had little chance of pulling off an upset against the Premier League’s perennial runner-ups.
Arteta also had some quality options off the bench.
Smith Rowe was introduced at half-time despite rumours surrounding his future.
While promising stars like Charlie Patino and Ethan Nwaneri also got the chance to show off their skills.
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