Arsenal’s pre-season tour begins with a mouthwatering showdown against AC Milan, as Mikel Arteta prepares to begin his sixth full season in charge at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal kick off their 2025/26 pre-season with a blockbuster friendly against AC Milan in Singapore, marking the start of their Asia tour. The Gunners, eager to end a five-year trophy drought after another second-place Premier League finish, have bolstered their squad with several high-profile signings this summer.
Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard have added technical quality and much-needed depth in midfield, while Noni Madueke will be hoping to challenge Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for a starting spot on the wings. Kepa Arrizabalaga has also arrived to provide cover for No. 1 goalkeeper David Raya.
Arsenal remain in the market for a striker, with a blockbuster move for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres still in play. However, with negotiations still ongoing, supporters may have to wait until next month for a potential unveiling of the Swedish international.
Their pre-season opener won’t be easy. Milan, now boasting the legendary Luka Modric in midfield, will provide a formidable early test. Here, Mirror Football brings you everything you need to know – from match details and how to watch, to the latest Arsenal team news.
When is kick-off for Arsenal vs AC Milan?
Arsenal vs AC Milan takes place on Wednesday, July 23 at 12:30pm UK time, 7:30pm local time at the National Stadium in Kallang, Singapore. The 55,000-capacity venue sets an appropriately lavish stage for the Gunners’ first match of their Asia tour.
How can I watch Arsenal vs AC Milan?
The match will not be broadcast on UK television but can be streamed live on Arsenal.com and the official Arsenal app. An early bird pass costs £4.99 until 9am BST on July 23, rising to £9.99 thereafter.
Their pre-season pass, covering this game and four others (Newcastle, Tottenham, Athletic Club, and Villarreal), is available for £14.99. Repeat showings are available every three hours post-match.
What’s the Arsenal team news?
Summer signings Zubimendi, Norgaard and Kepa are all in line to make their debuts. Madueke, however, has not travelled with the squad. This is because he is owed time off after taking part in Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign.
Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined, recovering from a knee injury sustained last season, with an expected return in August. Elsewhere, academy prospects like Max Dowman could see minutes, as could fellow youngsters Ismael Kabia, Louie Copley, Josh Nichols, Andre Harriman-Annous and Marli Salmon, who have all also flown out.
As for Milan, Modric will not be taking part in the game as, like Madueke, he has not travelled after competing for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup. Ex-Chelsea trio Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic are all expected to be involved though, as is Portugal superstar Rafael Leao.
What are Arsenal’s pre-season fixtures?
After AC Milan, Arsenal face Newcastle in Singapore, followed by a north London derby against Tottenham in Hong Kong. The squad will then fly home before facing Villarreal and Athletic Club at the Emirates Stadium ahead of their crunch Premier League opener away at Manchester United on August 17.
Here is Arsenal’s pre-season fixture list in full:
- Arsenal vs AC Milan – July 23
- Arsenal vs Newcastle United – July 27
- Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur – July 31
- Arsenal vs Villarreal – August 6
- Arsenal vs Athletic Club – August 9
What is Arsenal and AC Milan’s head-to-head?
Milan may be one of Europe’s most decorated clubs, but Arsenal have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings. In eight previous encounters, the Gunners have claimed four victories and suffered just two defeats.
More impressively, Arsenal have won their last three games against the Italian giants – and four of the last five overall. Their most recent clash came in the 2017/18 Europa League round of 16, where Arsenal cruised to a 5-1 aggregate win, securing a 2-0 victory at the San Siro before finishing the job with a 3-1 triumph at the Emirates.
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