Arsenal: Gyokeres, Dowman & Arteta's new plans - inside pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong

Arsenal completed their pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong as they aim to end their trophy drought since 2020.

Under manager Mikel Arteta’s guidance, the squad began preparations with a voluntary training camp in June before regrouping in Spain and Asia to build fitness and resilience following a season disrupted by injuries.

Arteta’s approach paid off, with opponents praising Arsenal’s intensity and the players demonstrating early cohesion.

With the slogan “Ready for New Heights” emblazoned on promotional materials, the club has embraced the pressure to deliver silverware, echoed by captain Gabriel Magalhães and the manager himself.

Sporting director Andrea Berta, in his first transfer window, has bolstered the squad with six signings, including winger Noni Madueke, valued at £48.5m, reinforcing depth and reducing reliance on key players like Bukayo Saka.

Rigorous schedule

The 12-day tour balanced high-intensity training and commercial commitments, with players taking part in open sessions, fan events and downtime activities in Singapore.

Arteta deliberately rotated sessions so squad members and coaches faced each other, ensuring every player maintained competitive sharpness.

Gyökeres arrives

Sweden striker Viktor Gyökeres joined on a deal worth up to £64m, arriving on a commercial flight to integrate immediately. His physicality and mindset align with Arsenal’s ambitions, wearing the iconic number 14 shirt once worn by Thierry Henry.

On-field evolution

Arsenal displayed a higher tempo, direct transitions and increased goal threat, with young talents like Ethan Nwaneri deployed centrally to accelerate his development.

Physical signings such as Gyökeres, Christian Nørgaard and Cristhian Mosquera will enable the team to exploit strength and speed, creating more attacking options.

Emerging prospect

Fifteen-year-old Max Dowman impressed on tour, matching senior players in training and earning game time by winning a penalty against Newcastle. A competitive debut this season appears likely.

Arsenal’s focused pre-season in Asia showcased improved fitness, tactical refinement and the integration of key signings aimed at ending a three-year trophy drought.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

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