Arsenal’s work this summer could go a long way to achieving their goals come May. Trophies once again eluded the Gunners in the 2024/25 campaign but the hope will be that Mikel Arteta’s team can go one better this time around and win silverware for the first time since 2020.
Arsenal have so far added to their squad with the additions of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke. Arteta will be hoping that a few more signings arrive ahead of the new season, including Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres.
The Gunners are now in Singapore for their pre-season tour as they have matches against AC Milan and Newcastle United at the National Stadium before departing for Hong Kong in just over a week’s time ahead of a friendly against north London rivals Tottenham. So what can Arsenal fans look out for over the next fortnight? football.london takes a look below.
Gyokeres and Mosquera wait
Gyokeres and Mosquera are not part of the Arsenal squad for the tour of Asia with the Gunners unable to get both transfers over the line prior to their departure. The former is expected to join from Sporting CP and the latter from Valencia.
In terms of Gyokeres, talks with the Portuguese champions are at a very advanced stage and Arsenal remain calm about the situation. Arsenal had hoped to have the striker on the flight to Asia but there’s still a chance he could make his Gunners debut out there once his move is finally signed and sealed.
The same also applies to Mosquera, who will give Arteta more options in defence for the new season.
Havertz impact
Kai Havertz will be looking to hit the goal trail in Wednesday’s match against AC Milan after such a frustrating 2024/25 season. The German had contributed with 15 goals for the Gunners but then he sustained a hamstring injury in February that left him on the sidelines for three months.
Havertz did make his comeback off the bench in Arsenal’s final two games of the Premier League season, though. At a time when Gyokeres could be joining the Gunners, Havertz will be doing all he can to keep his place in the team and that means scoring goals and delivering big performances.
New midfield trio
Arsenal look set to have a new midfield trio this season following the addition of Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The Spain international has made a huge name for himself over the past few seasons and the hope will be that he can help take Arsenal’s midfield to the very next level.
Zubimendi looks on course to join Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice in the middle of the park, with the trio potentially getting their first opportunity to play alongside each other in Wednesday’s game against AC Milan. All will have their fingers crossed that they can strike up a quick understanding so they are ready to go against Manchester United on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
Norgaard role
Arteta has added some further experience to his midfield this summer with the addition of Norgaard from Brentford. The Dane has played an integral role in the Bees establishing themselves as Premier League regulars, although it’s probably fair to say that he maybe hasn’t got the recognition he’s deserved at times with others in the Brentford team in the headlines.
The addition of Norgaard may not be the most glamourous piece of transfer business from the club but it could prove to be a vital one. Just why he was signed should all become clear over the next couple of games.
Dowman and youngsters
Arteta has options galore when it comes to his playing squad for the Asia tour. Arsenal have taken a total of 30 players with them, including some very talented youngsters who could possibly be given some playing time.
All eyes will be on whether the Arsenal boss hands attacking midfielder Max Dowman some minutes as the 15-year-old has already made quite the impression despite his tender years. The club appear to have a star on their hands in Dowman and there should be plenty of excitement if he does indeed take to the pitch.
Tommy Setford, Alexei Rojas-Fedorushchenko, Josh Nichols, Marli Salmon, Louie Copley, Ismeal Kabia and Andre Harriman-Annous are the other youngsters in the squad.
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