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Arsenal is set to commence its 2025/26 pre-season with a high-profile friendly against AC Milan in Singapore, signalling the start of their Asia tour. The Gunners, keen to break a five-year trophy-less streak following yet another second-place finish in the Premier League, have strengthened their squad with several notable signings this summer.
The additions of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard have brought technical prowess and much-needed depth to the midfield, while Noni Madueke will be vying for a starting position on the wings alongside Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Kepa Arrizabalaga has also been brought in to provide backup for first-choice goalkeeper David Raya.
Arsenal is still on the hunt for a striker, with a potential big-money move for Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres on the cards. However, with talks still underway, fans may have to wait until next month for the possible unveiling of the Swedish international.
The Gunners' pre-season opener won't be a walk in the park. Milan, now featuring the legendary Luka Modric in their midfield, will pose a significant early challenge, with the Serie A side taking on Liverpool this weekned.
The match is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23 at 7:30 am ET (12:30pm UK time, 7:30pm local time) at the National Stadium in Kallang, Singapore. The 55,000-capacity venue sets a fittingly grand stage for the Gunners' inaugural match of their Asia tour.
The action will be shown live in the United States on the CBS Sports Network, as well as on Paramount+.
The match won't be aired on UK television but can be live-streamed on Arsenal.com and the official Arsenal app. An early bird pass is priced at $13.50 (£9.99).
Their pre-season pass, includes this game and four others (Newcastle, Tottenham, Athletic Club, and Villarreal).
Summer recruits Zubimendi, Norgaard and Kepa are all set to make their first appearances. However, Madueke has not joined the squad as he is due some time off following his participation in Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign.
Gabriel Jesus continues to be out of action, recovering from a knee injury picked up last season, with a projected return in August. Meanwhile, academy prospects like Max Dowman could get some game time, as could fellow young talents Ismael Kabia, Louie Copley, Josh Nichols, Andre Harriman-Annous and Marli Salmon, who have all also made the trip.
Following AC Milan, Arsenal will take on Newcastle in Singapore, before a north London derby against Tottenham in Hong Kong. The squad will then return home to face Villarreal and Athletic Club at the Emirates Stadium, gearing up for their crucial Premier League opener away at Manchester United on August 17.
Despite Milan being one of Europe's most successful clubs, Arsenal have had the edge in recent encounters. Out of eight previous meetings, the Gunners have secured four victories and suffered only two losses.
Even more impressively, Arsenal have won their last three matches against the Italian giants - and four out of the last five overall. Their latest encounter was in the 2017/18 Europa League round of 16, where Arsenal sailed to a 5-1 aggregate victory, clinching a 2-0 win at the San Siro before sealing the deal with a 3-1 triumph at the Emirates.
English (US) ·