Arsenal are currently preparing for the upcoming 2025/26 season on tour in Singapore.
Mikel Arteta has taken a 30-man squad to Southeast Asia, which includes new signings Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera.
Viktor Gyokeres is expected to join the camp after completing his medical in London on Saturday, and the Swede could be in line for his debut in a red and white shirt next week against Tottenham.
Before that North London Derby in Hong Kong, Arsenal take on Newcastle on Sunday at the Singapore National Stadium, looking to build on their victory over AC Milan at the same venue.
Bukayo Saka left looking embarrassed by Gabriel Martinelli volley in Arsenal training
Engaging with their huge fanbase in Singapore, Arsenal hosted an open training session at the National Stadium on Friday, welcoming supporters to watch Arteta’s squad in action.
The session lasted well over an hour and allowed fans to see how Arteta and his coaching staff operate on the training pitch, in person.
It also produced an amusing moment not too long before the end, when Gabriel Martinelli picked up a ball and produced a wild half volley that sparked a hilarious reaction from Bukayo Saka.
While the eventual destination of the volley cannot be seen in the video, judging by Saka’s embarrassed facial expressions and Martinelli placing his hands on his head, it likely went well wide and nowhere near the intended target.
The incident highlighted the relaxed feeling in the camp, but also perhaps showed Martinelli’s technical quality isn’t where it currently needs to be, even with a throwaway volley such as this.
Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in signing Martinelli this summer, and the Gunners should opt to cash in on the Brazilian if they receive a significant offer.
What Mikel Arteta said about Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber’s injury situations
Arteta will hope to have a fully fit squad by the time he and his players return to London at the end of next week.
Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes are currently unavailable, while the rest of the ensemble is in shape and raring to go.
Timber underwent ankle surgery at the end of last season, while Gabriel missed the final few months of the campaign with a hamstring injury.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Arteta confirmed that both players are close to a return.
“With Gabi, he felt a little niggle the other day in training and we didn’t want to take any risks,” he said.
“Hopefully, in the next week or so, he’s going to be available to train and play again.
“With Jurrien, it’s getting very close. He’s almost ticked every box that we needed after the surgery and the rehab that he needed, and I think in the next few days he’s going to start joining the team again.”
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