Arsenal
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Arsenal officially began their 2025/26 pre-season campaign today, as Mikel Arteta’s squad returned to the Sobha Realty Training Centre in London Colney for the first time since wrapping up the previous Premier League season in May.
After securing a third consecutive second-place finish, the Gunners are aiming to go one step further this season, and preparations are already underway. The club shared images of players returning to the pitch, with stars such as Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and William Saliba among those reporting for duty. They were joined by summer signings Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga, who took part in fitness assessments and tactical drills.
Also present was midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, despite expressing a desire to leave the club this summer, as well as promising academy midfielder Max Dowman, highlighting Arteta’s continued blend of youth and experience in pre-season.
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Arsenal’s return to training comes amid an ambitious transfer window. Zubimendi and Kepa have already been confirmed, while Brentford captain Christian Nørgaard is awaiting an official announcement after being spotted at the training ground. The Gunners are also pushing ahead with deals for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
Let’s get to work 🫡
Check out our gallery from day one at Sobha Realty Training Centre 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 9, 2025
Gyökeres has agreed personal terms, and negotiations over a transfer fee are ongoing. Meanwhile, Arsenal have submitted a £50 million bid for Madueke, with talks described as “very positive.” Both players are viewed as key additions to bolster Arsenal’s attack, which struggled for goals last season, with no player reaching double figures in the league.
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Some players had already begun preparations last week with an optional warm-weather training camp in Marbella. The full squad will now continue their fitness and tactical work in La Manga, Spain, where they’ll hold a five-day training camp before flying out to Asia for a pre-season tour.
That tour includes a blockbuster clash against rivals Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong on July 31, followed by other fixtures in Singapore. Arsenal’s pre-season will conclude with a friendly against Villarreal on August 6 and an Emirates Cup match versus Athletic Club on August 9.
With the new Premier League season set to begin on August 17 against Manchester United, Arteta is focused on ensuring early integration for his new signings and building the cohesion needed to mount a serious title challenge.
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