Arsenal's Zubimendi Set for Debut vs AC Milan in Singapore Clash

Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi could make his debut in front of supporters against AC Milan (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal have arrived in Singapore to kick off their pre-season tour , during which they will play three friendlies in two countries. Their first stop will be AC Milan and then Newcastle United, before they fly to Hong Kong to face rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the first North London Derby to take place on the continent.

Mikel Arteta would have hoped to have all of the summer business completed by this point but the Spaniard remains in waiting for his marquee centre-forward signing. Viktor Gyokeres could yet make his debut for Arsenal, but it would require a swift agreement between the clubs imminently, a medical, a long flight and the decision to put him into the squad without much, if any, team training before the game taking place on Wednesday.

Arteta does, however, have some new blood at his disposal, and we have the chance to see some debuts. Cristhian Mosquera is very close to being fully confirmed as an Arsenal player and could fly in for the match, but like Gyokeres, his involvement would be in question.

Jurrien Timber remains in a state of recovery as he steps up training. He was not pictured doing any ball work in Spain, and continues his rehabilitation from ankle surgery; therefore, Ben White would start at right-back.

Both William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes look to have now recovered from their respective issues, though, and could yet be in the side. If Gabriel isn’t risked, then Jakub Kiwior would be the natural replacement unless Arteta opts instead for Riccardo Calafiori who has a fight on his hands at left-back with Myles Lewis-Skelly, the current starter.

The midfield has a new look to it and fans are excited to see what Martin Zubimendi brings to the team at its base. The Spaniard takes over the starting position from Thomas Partey who has now left following the expiration of his contract.

In the front line with Noni Madueke yet to join the group and Gyokeres’ situation still ongoing, it is a familiar but no-less exciting front three. Bukayo Saka reunites with Kai Havertz from the start as Gabriel Martinelli begins his mission to prove his value to Arsenal in what is a massive season for the Brazilian.

Dream Arsenal XI vs AC Milan: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli