Zubimendi role, Dowman wows, Gyokeres impact - Nine Arsenal players who shone in pre-season

Arsenal's first game of the 2025/26 Premier League season is now only six days away. The Gunners' pre-season campaign drew to a conclusion on Saturday with a 3-0 victory over Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup.

It was the perfect result to boost confidence levels heading into Sunday's league opener away at Manchester United. Mikel Arteta's side do have a very tough start to the season but they will be viewing it as a chance to lay down a real marker as they bid to get their hands on the Premier League title come May.

Although the team did lose against Tottenham and Villarreal in their pre-season fixtures, Arsenal did fare well on the whole and delivered some very impressive showings at times. A number of players caught the eye for the north London club and they will be keen to ensure that remains to case during the new season.

So which players stood out in pre-season? football.london takes a look below.

Max Dowman

We have to start with 15-year-old sensation Max Dowman. The teenager's chance in the first team finally arrived this summer and he took it with both hands.

Dowman produced some electric performances when he was introduced from the bench, notably against Newcastle United, Tottenham and Villarreal, and he duly had fans off their seats because of what he was producing on the pitch. Dowman may only be 15 years of age but he has to be in Arteta's plans for the season after a sparkling summer.

Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz has bulked up for the new season and he has caused some big issues for his opponents as a result. The goals may not have flowed as regularly as he would have liked but his link-up play with his fellow attackers and midfielders has been extremely impressive.

Arteta faces a tough call over whether to start with the German or Viktor Gyokeres leading the line at Manchester United on Sunday. Amid question marks over his place in the team this season with Arsenal bringing in a new frontman, Havertz has really made his case to be a regular for the Gunners.

Ethan Nwaneri

Ethan Nwaneri has committed his long-term future to the club by penning fresh terms in north London. The England Under-21 ace will be targeting a big year for the Gunners after an incredible breakout campaign last term.

The academy graduate has looked very sharp during his playing time this summer, with his showing against AC Milan a particular standout. Nwaneri has a lot of competition for a place in the team but he could be set for plenty of minutes if his summer performances are anything to go by.

William Saliba

It comes as no surprise but William Saliba has been a huge presence in defence for Arsenal in pre-season. He has delivered outstanding performances time and time again which is a good sign going into the new term.

Now it's about the Frenchman signing a new long-term contract at Arsenal as the club plan for the years ahead.

Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard did not start Arsenal's first two games of their tour of Asia but he made an instant impact off the bench in the 3-2 win over Newcastle United. The Norwegian was pulling the strings in midfield and he went on to score the winner from the penalty spot after Dowman was fouled following a positive run into the box.

He was positive in the Tottenham defeat and the same again against Villarreal, with the captain decent in the 3-0 win over Athletic Club as he started alongside Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi for the first time. Amid his mixed form last term, Odegaard has caught the eye in pre-season and he will be looking to keep it that way as he looks to guide the team to silverware.

Ben White

Ben White is clearly looking to make up for lost time after his 2024/25 campaign was hit by injury. Jurrien Timber was a regular in the Arsenal side last term but he has serious competition from White for a spot at right-back.

The ex-Brighton & Hove Albion man has displayed his quality on the ball and ability to get forward and make an impact in the final third, with the player passing up a couple of chances to get on the scoresheet in the team's two games in Singapore. White has enjoyed a very strong summer and Arsenal fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that he is a big player for the team between now and May.

The new signings

All eyes have been on Arsenal's new signings this summer after the club made some key moves to strengthen Arteta's playing squad. Christian Norgaard has looked at home in Arsenal's midfield since making the step up from Brentford, with the Dane getting a goal in the recent defeat against Villarreal.

Zubimendi has also wowed many with his ability on the ball in the No.6 position. The Spaniard is direct and progressive with his passing to get the team up the field and they look more dangerous for having him in there. He did also get a lovely assist to his name for Gyokeres' header against Athletic Club.

On the subject of Gyokeres, the striker scored his first goal for the club in emphatic style at the weekend. The powerful Swede also impressed in other areas of his game as he caused his opponents a number of issues with his play.

After getting limited minutes in the north London derby against Tottenham before increasing his playing time against Villarreal and Athletic Club, the summer addition has ended his pre-season on a positive note and now it's about making a mark in the Premier League come Sunday.

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