Kai Havertz in Arsenal training.placeholder image
Kai Havertz in Arsenal training. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal continue their pre-season preparations in Spain before heading to Asia.
It’s been a busy couple of weeks off the pitch for Arsenal with sporting director Andrea Berta working hard to broker marquee signings, but the tough yards have also been put in on the training ground.
The Gunners have spent six days on pre-tour camp in La Manga as they prepare for a trio to Singapore and Hong Kong to take on AC Milan, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. The Premier League season then begins in earnest with a trip to Manchester United on August 17.
Arsenal supporters will be excited to see new signings in action and get a sneak peak at what Mikel Arteta may be preparing tactically for the upcoming campaign. Here’s five things LondonWorld picked up on from training photographs in La Manga.
Gabriel Heinze at work
Gabriel Heinze talks to Martin Odegaardplaceholder image
Gabriel Heinze talks to Martin Odegaard | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal confirmed the appointment of former PSG, Manchester United and Real Madrid centre-back Gabriel Heinze to the coaching team last week. The former Premier League winner appears to have taken no time to get involved with the players.
A club statement last week read: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Gabriel Heinze to our coaching staff as men’s First Team Coach. Heinze, a former Argentina international, brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the club. We are excited with the introduction of Gabriel to our men’s first-team coaching staff, and welcome him and his family to Arsenal.”
Academy stars train with first team
Maldini Kacurri and Ismeal Kabia of Arsenal during a training session.placeholder image
Maldini Kacurri and Ismeal Kabia of Arsenal during a training session. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Alongside the familiar first team stars in action were academy players Maldini Kacurri and Ismeal Kabia. Both have already made their senior debuts but their involvement could hint at more minutes to come this season.
Kacurri is an Albania youth international and has been with Arsenal since 2022. He spent the back end of last season on loan in League Two with Bromley. His Arsenal debut came in September 2024 as a substitute for Riccardo Calafiori in the 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Bolton Wanderers.
Kabia is a Dutch winger and also made his debut in that match against Bolton Wanderers, coming on for Raheem Sterling. The 19-year-old moved to England from the Netherlands at the age of nine.
Jakub Kiwior part of Mikel Arteta plans
Ismeal Kabia and Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal during a training session.placeholder image
Ismeal Kabia and Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal during a training session. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Football Insider have this week reported that the 25-year-old is set to stay at the Emirates Stadium with Arteta wanting four centre-backs available next season. Mosquera is set to take the place of Takehiro Tomiyasu in the Arsenal squad, not Kiwior.
Oleksandr Zinchenko still involved
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during a training session.placeholder image
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during a training session. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Oleksandr Zinchenko is another who has been linked with a move away from Arsenal. The Sun claimed that Fulham could offer £10 million for the full-back at the end of June.
There is clearly little underway for that deal with Zinchenko busy with the Gunners in Spain. He could be seen competing with Bukayo Saka, who looks fit and raring to go.
Fulham loanee involved in pre-season
Harrison Dudziak, Louie Copley, Gabriel Martinelli, Jakub Kiwior, William Saliba, Tommy Setford and Reece Nelson of Arsenal during a training session.placeholder image
Harrison Dudziak, Louie Copley, Gabriel Martinelli, Jakub Kiwior, William Saliba, Tommy Setford and Reece Nelson of Arsenal during a training session. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
A group of Arsenal players who appeared to have been on the same team for a mini game pose for a team photo. Gabriel Martinelli, another who has been linked with a move away, is part of the group.
As too is Reiss Nelson. The winger was on loan at Fulham last season and enjoyed a promising start to the campaign before his season was ended by a hamstring injury. Nelson hasn’t played for the Gunners since April 2024 and teamTALK had claimed that the Cottagers could make another move for the player this summer.
In other news, Next Arsenal transfer set to be finalised today with 'five-year contract' to be signed after deal agreed.
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