Arsenal

  1. 'He hung me over the banister until I said I supported Arsenal' - fan stories

    A black banner that reads My Club My Passion in white block capitals. On the right hand side, a dark-haired woman raises her fists to her shoulders in celebration in front of a yellow background

    We know the relationship between a football fan and their club is a special one so, as we gear up for the new season, we asked you to share why you fell in love with Arsenal and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

    Here is a selection of your submissions:

    Anand Modha and his friends celebrating an Arsenal win

    Anand: I grew up in the 1980s, when Indians were often told by their parents that football was for hooligans and not for us. My coolest older cousin was an Arsenal fan because of the black players in the team like Wright and Rocastle. One day, he was hanging me over the banister in our terraced house asking me: "Who do you support?" I knew he was an Arsenal fan so I said Arsenal and he put me down and said: "Correct answer." I've been supporting them ever since. My cousin died just over a year ago, and now I watch every Arsenal match wearing his match scarf. Arsenal are a bond we shared, and when we do well, I think of him. And when we do badly, I can hear his optimistic voice saying 'it will get better.'

    Jeffrey: "What team do you support, Dad?" I asked when I was about seven years old in 1967. "Arsenal" was his reply, and so began my support which has spawned a family tradition in an emotional rollercoaster.

    My most cherished memory is me, my Dad and my two sons witnessing the clinching of the 1998 title. My son John ran onto the pitch and was hoisted into the air by David Seaman in front of the North Bank. He bemoans to this day of having no photo of the moment as I was too wrapped up in the emotion to take a photo. Watching the celebrations at home, his mum was unaware that the junior Gunners scarf worn by Seaman during his interview was in fact her son's.

    Emotional too after my Dad's passing, a tribute in the matchday programme and on the Emirates big screen and a cannon made up of a collage of supporters names who had passed away during the season. Arsenal showed their class by allowing his membership to be passed to my daughter, Claire, so we could continue to attend as a family.

    Although much more difficult to get tickets these days, more memories are made as now my grandchildren join me. Arsenal has become part of our family tradition, and emotional attachment.

    Michael and his Dad standing at the Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal

    Michael: Ever since I can remember I've been in love with the Arsenal. It's always been the best way for me to bond with my dad and let go of everything else in life that causes problems. I've not always had it easy but this club has always and will always make my life a whole lot easier (even if we don't win anything!) and I'll never let that go. The friends we've made sitting behind the North Bank are ones you don't see for a few months in the summer but once the season is back, it's like you never left. Nothing will ever compare to the love that I and so many others have for the club and it's absolutely beautiful.

    Send your pictures and stories here

    A red banner with HAVE YOUR SAY written in white block capitals. On the right side, is an Arsenal crest on a yellow background

  2. Santi Cazorla

  3. Arteta senses an Arsenal 'click'

    Alex Howell
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Mikel ArtetaGetty Images

    Arsenal have completed their pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong and return to England hoping the preparations will help them win their first trophy since 2020.

    Plans for this pre-season heavily involved manager Mikel Arteta. He was across the idea to put on the voluntary player training camp in June, before the full group travelled to Spain and on to Asia.

    The Gunners were decimated by injuries last year and Arteta has spoken previously about how too long a break means the players break down when exposed to physical stress after a period of rest. The camps were designed to get them to a high level as soon as possible.

    The pre-season work seemed to have the desired effect and all three of the Gunners' opponents mentioned Arsenal's level of performance, while Arteta himself believes there has been a click.

    The pressure to win a trophy is not something the club are shying away from - centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes referenced it in interviews, as did Arteta in his first news conference of the tour - alongside huge posters showing the slogan 'ready for new heights' at the away kit launch in Singapore.

    Read Alex's full pre-season tour debrief

  4. Arsenal players talk in a huddle

  5. Composite image of Arsenal's Max Dowman, Mikel Arteta and Marli Salmon

  6. Arsenal's real problem... and how Gyokeres will help solve it

    Chris Collinson
    BBC Sport statistician

    Viktor Gyokeres applauds the Arsenal fans after the pre season friendly between Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur at Kai Tak Sports ParkGetty Images

    One of the major reasons why Liverpool scored 17 more goals than Arsenal last season was because Mikel Arteta's side could not create enough chances.

    Over the course of 38 games, Liverpool took 95 more non-penalty shots than the Gunners… exactly 2.5 more than the runners-up every game.

    If the Gunners had taken the same number of non-penalty shots as the champions and continued scoring at the rate that they did (12.3%), then they would've scored an additional 12 goals, showing Arsenal's main problem last season was that you can't score the chances you don't make.

    A graphic detailing the most shots by club in the 2024-25 Premier League season. Liverpool - 648 Manchester City - 607 Chelsea - 595 Bournemouth - 581 Arsenal - 546 Brighton - 533Opta

    While obviously the more Viktor Gyokeres can help Arsenal finish their chances the better, he should also help solve the Gunners' main problem of creating enough chances in the first place.

    Last season he attempted 4.5 shots per 90 minutes on average in the Primeira Liga, far more than Gabriel Jesus (3.0) and Kai Havertz (2.6) averaged for Arsenal in the Premier League.

    Although clearly the number of shots a striker takes is in part down to the service he gets from his team-mates, it's also a result of the options he gives his team-mates with his movement and anticipation in and around the box.

    Given that Gyokeres also ranked second for chances created from open play in the league (60) and won the most penalties (4), he should play a major role in providing the ammunition the Gunners need to make a challenge for the Premier League title this season.

  7. An electronic billboard saying "Welcome Gyokeres"

  8. Always room for player banter...

    Richarlison poses with a Man of the match award after Tottenham's friendly win over Arsenal. He applies the 'eyes' emoji to the image.Richarlison Instagram

    It may only have been a friendly - won 1-0 by Tottenham - but it seems there's always room for a little banter between players.

    Spurs striker Richarlison has tagged Arsenal defender Gabriel in a photo with his trophy for winning man of the match. Gabriel responded with an image of three player of the match trophies, all earned against Tottenham. He duly tagged the striker in the post.

    An image of three Player of the Match awards posted by Gabriel of Arsenal. All three awards are for displays against Tottenham. He tags Richarlison in the image.Gabriel

  9. Send your pictures and stories of why you love Arsenal

    A black banner with the words My Club My Passion in white capitals. A woman at the end celebrates with fists raised in front of a yellow background
    Two children pose with a red-and-white Arsenal flagRuth

    On Monday, we asked you to tell us why you fell in love with Arsenal and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

    You have already been getting in touch with your photos and stories and here is just a taste from Ruth:

    "I grew up in north London with a dad and a grandad both Gunners.

    "As a teenage girl, I would jump on a bus and the tube to most home games, stand in the boys' enclosure doing the crossword in the programme until I normally missed the one home goal of the game. 'One-nil to the Arsenal' - it's in the blood !

    "I always had something to chat to my grandad about and he always suddenly jolted awake after the nine o'clock news when they gave the scores!

    "I took my twins to fun runs round the stadium and to victory parades. Nowadays, we go as often as we can for the Gunners' family feeling. I nearly always find someone near me in the stand to chat to and have a laugh with."

    So join the conversation and send your best photos about why you love the Gunners.

    Your first visit to the stadium? A special kit? An amazing away trip?

    Send us your pictures and stories

  10. Ben White puts in a cross against Tottenham

  11. Arsenal will be 'ready for Old Trafford' despite Spurs defeat

    Mathys Tel of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Leandro Trossard of Arsenal during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Kai Tak Sports ParkGetty Images

    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."

  12. Arteta cool on fitness of defenders

    Alex Howell
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Mikel Arteta offers a player guidance at ArsenalGetty Images

    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."

  13. Pape Sarr

  14. Sarr scores winner in first overseas north London derby

    Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly is challenged by Tottenham's Pape Matar SarrGetty Images

    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.

  15. Arsenal v Tottenham: Team news

    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

  16. How goal-shy Gunners dipped last season

    Matthew Hobbs
    BBC Sport journalist

    Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, looks dejected during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates StadiumGetty Images

    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.

    A graphic showing Arsenal's Premier League goal output across the last three seasons. 2022-23: Goals - 88 Expected goals - 72.1 2023-24: Goals - 91 Expected goals - 77.5 2024-25: Goals - 69 Expected goals - 61.4

    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.

  17. Dowman steals show on tour

    Alex Howell
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Max DowmanGetty Images

    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

  18. Palace 'aware of Arsenal's interest'

    Sami Mokbel
    Senior football correspondent

    Eberechi Eze has his hands on his hipsGetty Images

    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.

  20. Max Dowman

  21. Reflections on first Gyokeres interview

    Alex Howell
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Viktor Gyokeres in an orange training bibGetty Images

    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.

  22. 'I just want to try to do my own thing' - Gyokeres

    Alex Howell
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Viktor GyokeresGetty Images

    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

  23. Viktor Gyokeres

  24. 'Quality is obviously there' - Odegaard on Dowman and Salmon

    Max Dowman and Marli Salmon shake hands during Arsenal's win over Newcastle in pre-seasonGetty Images

    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."