Arsenal Confirmed XI vs AC Milan: Zubimendi Debut, Predicted Lineup and Confirmed Team News | OneFootball

Arsenal Set to Face AC Milan as Pre-Season Steps Up in Singapore

New arrivals and familiar faces headline Gunners tour

Arsenal begin their pre-season campaign this afternoon against AC Milan at the National Stadium in Singapore. The fixture marks the club’s first outing of the summer, as Mikel Arteta runs the rule over his squad ahead of the new campaign.

The Gunners have travelled with a 30-man squad for their Asia tour, though key striker Gabriel Jesus remains in London. The Brazilian continues his recovery from a knee operation that curtailed his previous campaign. New arrival Noni Madueke, signed from Chelsea for £52 million, is also absent after recent Club World Cup involvement.

New signings ready for their first test

Arteta may use this fixture to debut several fresh faces. Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi have all joined the touring party in Singapore. Zubimendi in particular has made an early impression.

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“We are all very impressed with what we’ve seen in the last seven to ten days,” said Arteta.

“Once you have the player daily there and you see his character, his personality, his intelligence, and how much he’s going to bring to the team. I’m very excited about it.”

Zubimendi is tipped to start against AC Milan, potentially anchoring the midfield in a 4-3-3 setup that reflects Arteta’s tactical ambitions for the new season.

Key defenders return to fitness

William Saliba and Gabriel are expected to line up together at centre-back after overcoming hamstring issues that saw both miss the run-in last season. Arteta confirmed their readiness this week, saying they are fit to feature.

Youthful injection for the Gunners

Arsenal have included several exciting prospects on tour. Among them are 15-year-olds Marli Salmon and Max Dowman. Goalkeepers Alexei Rojas-Fedorushchenko and Tommy Setford also travel, alongside Josh Nichols, Louie Copley, Ismeal Kabia and Andre Harriman-Annous.

Though transfer rumours surround Albert Sambi Lokonga, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Reiss Nelson, all three remain part of the squad for now.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Zubimendi, Merino, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

Match details: Wednesday 23 July, 12.30pm GMT, National Stadium, Singapore