Arsenal

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta spoke to the media in Hong Kong on Thursday, after his side's 1-0 defeat by Tottenham.

On how he assesses his team at this point of pre-season: "I'm very positive for everything that I've seen in the past 10 days - it gives me a lot of encouragement.

"We are ahead of what I was expecting in many areas. Even though tonight's result leaves you a taste, that I think is going to be very positive as well.

"We'll start on Monday again with two great games at the Emirates to finalise the preparations and be ready for Old Trafford."

On handing first Arsenal appearances to Viktor Gyokeres and Cristhian Mosquera: "I'm really happy to have them here. I think they are going to add a lot of value. You see straight away the energy and the quality they are going to bring."

On Leandro Trossard leaving the pitch less than 20 minutes after coming on: "Yeah he felt a little tweak. I think he tried to turn and he was pushed and he felt something muscular so we'll have to assess him."

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Mikel Arteta says Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber will all be fit for the start of the Premier League season.

Centre-back Gabriel played 45 minutes in Arsenal's win over Watford behind closed doors but has not played any minutes of the tour to Singapore and Hong Kong after picking up an injury in training.

Calafiori started the first two games of Arsenal's tour but limped off just two minutes into the second half against Newcastle and he missed the match against rivals Tottenham.

Timber, has been recovering after having ankle surgery in May, and only recently joined team training.

After the 1-0 loss to Spurs in the Kai Tak stadium, Arteta was asked if any of the three might miss the first Premier League match of the season at Manchester United on Sunday, 17 August.

"I don't think so," he replied. "If they evolve like they've been involved in the last few days, the three of them will be available."

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Tottenham claimed a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first north London derby outside of the United Kingdom.

Thomas Frank's side hit the woodwork three times in the first half at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, before midfielder Pape Matar Sarr's stunning 45th-minute winner from the halfway line.

New Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres did make his first appearance, coming off the bench in the second half, but was unable to prevent Spurs ending Mikel Arteta's side's perfect pre-season record.

Mikel Arteta has named a strong starting XI for the first north London derby outside the UK at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong.

New addition Viktor Gyokeres misses out on making his full debut, but could still make an appearance after being named on a stacked bench.

Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Norgaard, Odegaard, Martinelli, Saka, Havertz.

For Tottenham, Son Heung-min is on the bench alongside James Maddison, who could make his first pre-season appearance.

Spurs XI: Vicario, Porro, Van de Ven, Romero, Spence, Bergvall, Sarr, Bentancur, Odobert, Johnson, Richarlison.

Follow live coverage here when the game gets under way

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

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Arsenal's decision to spend an initial £54.8m on Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres was underpinned by struggles in front of goal over the last two seasons - particularly after hybrid forward Kai Havertz was ruled out for nearly all of the second half of the campaign through injury.

Arsenal's underlying attacking numbers show why more goal threat is needed and why they have signed only the third striker of Mikel Arteta's tenure, after Havertz and Gabriel Jesus - and arguably the first genuine number nine.

The Gunners scored 22 fewer goals in the 2024-25 Premier League in comparison to the previous season, while their tallies of shots and expected goals also dropped dramatically – a combination that could be linked to a lack of movement, presence and precision upfront.

The trend of scoring fewer goals, particularly from open play, extends to the 2022-23 campaign. The Gunners netted 70 times from open play that season. This figure then dropped to 59 in 2023-24 and then 50 in 2024-25.

Another factor in Arsenal's misfiring attack was an increased failure to take the best chances – an issue which extended into other competitions, including critical misses in their Champions League semi-final defeat by Paris St-Germain.

Finally, in correlation with their diminishing goal returns, Arsenal had fewer shots and touches in the opposition box in 2024-25 compared with the previous two years.

If Arsenal are to come out on top this season, these are the trends they will have to reverse.

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Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Attacking midfielder Max Dowman has shown in friendlies against AC Milan and Newcastle exactly why there is so much excitement about his potential.

Having first trained with the first team when he was 14, Dowman was part of the senior squad that travelled to Dubai in January for their winter training camp.

There was even talk around that time about the England youth international getting a call-up to the side following an injury crisis, with key forwards Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus all sidelined at various times through injury.

This summer, Dowman has replaced England international Saka in both pre-season friendlies. While he showed moments of skill in the AC Milan match, it was the performance against Newcastle that demonstrated why he has been tipped for a Premier League debut this season.

A delightful dribble into the area, which ended with Dowman being fouled by Joelinton for a penalty that handed Arsenal a 3-2 victory, was one of the standout moments of the game.

Read the full piece here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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When evaluating the futures of Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi, there is less pressure on Palace to make a big decision on the former.

In many ways it is out of their hands. The England international has a £68m release clause - if a club agrees to meet that fee, then Palace are powerless in deciding his future.

It is understood the buyout expires two weeks before the start of the season, which offers Palace an added layer of protection.

Arsenal have a genuine interest in Eze but so far have shown no inclination of triggering the forward's release fee.

Well-placed sources are also indicating that Arsenal would prefer to sell a forward before making any formal move for Eze.

There is also a feeling at Arsenal that Eze's best position is at number 10 - an area that Martin Odegaard and Ethan Nwaneri operate in.

Eze can play on the left and Arsenal may view the Palace forward as a multi-functional attacker rather than just a number 10.

Palace are aware of Arsenal's interest.

The Gunners are understood to value Eze lower than the clause and want to negotiate a deal beneath the agreement.

As things stand, Palace chairman Steve Parish has offered no hint he would be open to negotiating a lower price; though there is a thought at rival clubs his stance may soften later in the window, to avoid the player going into the final year of his deal.

It is understood Eze is very open to joining Arsenal.

The attraction is clear, with Arsenal a contender for both the Premier League and Champions League next season.

• Read more on Palace from Sami

Crystal Palace have informed Arsenal that they would have to pay at least £35m in advance to sign Eberechi Eze, with the rest of the 27-year-old attacking midfielder's £67.5m fee due in instalments. (Guardian), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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The interview with Viktor Gyokeres took place at the Arsenal team hotel in Hong Kong.

There were supporters lined up on the driveway and also in the lobby hoping to meet some of their heroes.

I had been introduced to Gyokeres after his unveiling at the Newcastle match in Singapore and his stature is one of the first things you notice - he is an imposing figure.

It was noticeable again when he came into the room at the team hotel, the Arsenal wingers are going to have a good target to aim crosses at.

He was more reserved than I was expecting but given the history of the Arsenal number 14 shirt, in selecting it, he has shown he has the confidence to take on challenges.

That can only be a good sign for someone tasked with getting Arsenal over the line to win trophies.

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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New Arsenal signing Viktor Gyokeres says he just wants "to do my own thing" after taking the number 14 shirt previously worn by the club's all-time leading goalscorer Thierry Henry.

The 27-year-old completed his transfer - worth up to £64m (73m euros) - on Saturday, ending the Gunners' hunt for a striker to help their quest to lift a trophy for the first time since the FA Cup in 2020 in Mikel Arteta's first season.

"Of course I know about the history," said Gyokeres when asked about Henry's famous shirt number.

"To be honest there weren't so many numbers available. There weren't too many to pick from.

"But of course, that one was available. So when I knew that it was an easy choice to take it.

"I don't know. It's not really my intention to be compared with what he's achieved in his career.

"Especially here. I just want to do my own thing and show my qualities. Of course he was an amazing player, but different from me. I just want to try to do my own thing."

Gyokeres says his move was influenced by the fact he felt Arsenal "wanted me here".

He added: "Also because it's a very big club with a lot of history. I just felt that I really wanted to come here and be a part of this club.

"I think you can always have a decision of your future. Of course there were other clubs as well, but I didn't feel it was a difficult choice for me this time."

Read more from Gyokeres

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Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard says youngsters Max Dowman and Marli Salmon have been "amazing" so far on the club's pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Singapore.

The two 15-year-olds have both featured in the Gunners' wins over AC Milan and Newcastle and will hope to get another opportunity in Thursday's North London Derby against Spurs.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said the pairs' performances in the 1-0 win over Milan in Singapore were "incredible".

"I think the whole squad is really good in this way to help the young players and with those two they're so young and have so much quality," Odegaard said while speaking to the media in Hong Kong.

"I just try to share my experience, guide them in the right direction, and help them to keep the right mindset, because you can see that the quality is obviously there.

"Just trying to help them to have the right mindset and to help them feel good in the team and to kind of let them shine and do their thing.

"They've been amazing on this tour and you can also see the quality. It'll be exciting to see in the future."

Thursday's friendly will be the first time a North London Derby takes place outside the UK and Odegaard is excited for the spectacle at Kai Tak Sports Park.

"I love it and I think we all do," he added.

"I think we're all excited to play in front of so many supporters and we really felt that love and the connection here.

"It's been a while since we've played this type of game so I think that's what we all want and for me it's a good thing that we get a proper test, and something that means a little bit more with a derby.

"I think we're all just really excited and eager to play."

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Liverpool are set to sign Salford City's teenage striker Will Wright, beating Arsenal to a deal in the process.

The 17-year-old has passed his medical ahead of a £200,000 move to Liverpool, with Arsenal now considering alternative targets to strengthen their academy team.

One target is England Under-17 international Igor Tyjon, currently at Blackburn

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Thursday's pre-season friendly against rivals Tottenham in Hong Kong (12:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Arteta confirmed defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori will miss the match through injury while new signings Viktor Gyokeres will be assessed by the medical team today to determine whether he can be involved.

• On Gyokeres taking the number 14 shirt, famously worn by Thierry Henry: "I use the word conviction and that's the first thing that I noticed when I spoke to him. Someone very determined, someone that was already really attached to the club in the way he was talking, about the history and in this case Thierry and what the shirt represented. He straight away felt it. When you feel it, go for it."

• Arteta said he is content with the Gunners' transfer business so far: "I am extremely happy with the way we have approached the window and how aggressive we have been. There's still a long period still with the window open. So far we are very happy with what we've achieved so make sure at the end of the window we continue to be super happy."

• On the first north London derby to take place outside the UK: "[It is] a great idea to bring football tradition and a rivalry to a completely different country. It's an opportunity for everybody to feel that and for us, it increases the competition level again and is a different challenge."

• On the atmosphere in Hong Kong: They're going to be so lucky to play in this incredible stadium with 50,000 people, who I'm sure are going to be super loud and passionate. The most impressive thing is our supporters. It makes us feel that this trip is worth it as people here deserve to see the team as well."

• On his goals for next season: "To do better than the previous one. I think we all know what that means. Everything this time is in preparation - in terms of how we build the squad and how ready the team is going to be to compete from day one. Everything that we've seen so far is very very positive."

On BBC Radio 5 Live's Big Transfer Talk Show, the panel discuss the impact that Viktor Gyokeres could have at Arsenal.

"This guy is ridiculous and there are so many ways that he improves Arsenal," said Statman Dave.

"With him in their side, they will win the league. Depth is a massive thing - they have two in every position and they should win the league this season."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Arsenal remain interested in England winger Eberechi Eze, 27, but are not willing to meet a release clause in excess of £60m and will only bid if Crystal Palace reduce their asking price. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Borussia Dortmund are monitoring the situation of Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard, 30, but the Belgium attacker is also wanted by two Premier League clubs. (Sky Sports Germany), external

Finally, West Ham are eyeing Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira, 25, who joined Arsenal in 2022 but spent last season on loan at Porto. (Ben Jacobs), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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On Thursday in Hong Kong, Arsenal and Tottenham will play the first north London derby outside of the UK.

It is also Spurs boss Thomas Frank's first time managing Tottenham against their rivals. And, despite it being Arsenal, Frank is looking forward to the match.

"I think it's a great challenge even besides being our biggest rivals and the first north London derby outside the UK," he explained.

"It's also right now [against] one of the best teams I must say unfortunately in the world. We need to be honest.

"In that way it's going to be a big test. But it's more than a test, as against Arsenal it's not only a friendly. Of course, it's a game we will do everything we can to win."

Laura Kirk-Francis
Fan writer

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On Saturday, Arsenal finally announced the signing of Viktor Gyokeres and a months-long transfer saga - and an even longer wait for a striker - has finally ended.

Arsenal's interest in the Sweden international has been one of this summer's worst-kept secrets. Even a few days prior to the announcement, fans were still debating whether Gyokeres was actually the right missing piece for the Gunners' squad.

The drawn-out affair of the negotiations has meant expectations are high, yet it is unclear whether he will be fit enough to start the season, when Arsenal face a difficult first few games. Regardless, fans will be desperate to see him hit the ground running.

Despite his impressive goal tally last season in Portugal, Gyokeres himself will also be on a mission to prove himself at his new club. His rumoured desperation to make the move to Arsenal has already endeared him to fans.

For too long, Arsenal have been a team of technical and skilled players, slotting together to make manager Mikel Arteta's perfect albeit polite attacking unit. Gyokeres represents a different approach, and fans will be expecting him to use his power to bully opponents in ways Arsenal could not do last season.

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He will join a squad bolstered this transfer window by a fleet of smart, although not spectacular signings. As Arsenal experiment with their new-look midfield on pre-season in Singapore, the feelings remains this squad is one signing short.

Similarly, while busy with incoming players, Arsenal are yet to move some of the players who have fallen out of favour. Oleksandr Zinchenko's future is unclear, while fans continue to question whether an upgrade on Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli is needed. Funds from such sales could go towards an additional signing.

With Gyokeres, Arsenal have indeed got their man. But without an additional left-sided player, there might be a risk that come September, fans are left content but underwhelmed.

Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast, external

There is something unique about a football fan's love for their club.

As once said by the great Arrigo Sacchi: "Football is the most important of the least important things in life".

Tears of joy - and heartbreak. Friendships forged. Memories that last a lifetime.

Sometimes it is there from the beginning, sometimes a moment is what starts it all or takes it to another level.

Wherever it comes from, the love for a club is often there for life.

As a new season edges closer, we want to know why you love Arsenal.

When was the moment it all began?

What is your most special memory?

Your first home game? Earliest shirt? A seminal away trip?

Send us your pictures and stories

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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William Saliba says that he will "hopefully" sign a new contract with Arsenal.

The defender is into the final two years of his contract, which expires in 2027.

His centre-back partner Gabriel has committed his future to the club and agreed a deal until 2029.

Arsenal are also hoping to secure a new deal with Bukayo Saka, who is also into the last two years of his contract.

Saliba is part of the squad in Singapore on Arsenal's pre-season tour and, when asked about whether he will sign a new contract, he said: "Yes, hopefully - of course there is nothing now but there is a good conversation with my agent and the club. Let's see."

Before the friendly with Newcastle, Arsenal's new signing Viktor Gyokeres was unveiled to supporters.

"We know how good he is, it's scary to play against him," added France international Saliba.

"I'm so happy to have him in my club. I'm sure that he will help us to win games and win trophies."

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