Arsenal Faces AC Milan: Concerns Over Squad Depth Ahead of Preseason Clash
As Arsenal readies for their preseason opener against AC Milan in Singapore, concerns regarding squad depth emerge alongside exciting new signings.
The two teams will meet for their opening match of their preseason tour in Singapore.
Arsenal will meet AC Milan on Wednesday for their first match of the preseason tour that will kick off at the National Stadium in Singapore. Both teams are going through significant changes this summer as the team coached by Mikel Arteta already signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, who will now be backing up David Raya, while Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard represent a complete overhaul of the defensive midfield slot, previously filled by Jorginho and Thomas Partey. Over the weekend, the Gunners also signed Cristhian Mosquera for $18.6 million and Noni Madueke, a $70 million arrival from Chelsea. However, all eyes are now on the next signing, expected to be Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.
AC Milan are also facing substantial renovations with a new manager as Massimiliano Allegri took charge of the team, replacing Sergio Conceicao. The Rossoneri successfully secured two signings with Samuele Ricci from Torino and Luka Modric as a free agent, but they also sold Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City and Theo Hernandez to Al-Hilal, with other players like Joao Felix, Kyle Walker, and Tammy Abraham leaving at the end of their loan spells. On Wednesday, they will begin their preseason campaign hoping to rebound following a disappointing 2024-25 season.
How to watch Arsenal vs. AC Milan, odds
- Date: Wednesday, July 23 | Time: 7:30 a.m. ET
- Location: National Stadium – Singapore
- Live stream: CBSSN
- Odds: Arsenal +180; Draw +375; AC Milan +370
Possible lineups
Arsenal XI: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli.
AC Milan XI: Mike Maignan; Alexis Saelemaekers, Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Alex Jimenez; Youssouf Fofana, Samuele Ricci, Ruben Loftus-Cheek; Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao, Lorenzo Colombo.
Mikel Arteta concerned about squad number
Speaking to the media ahead of the opening game of the preseason, Arsenal coach Arteta said, “There’s still a long time in the window, and we are seeking. In terms of numbers, we are short, and we have to improve the depth and the quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market, but until that happens, I can focus on the players that we actually have, work with them, and I’m very pleased with what I’ve seen so far in the first 10-15 days.”
“It’s like shaking the tree again and bringing new faces. They bring new excitement, a new energy as well. We signed very important players as well. Again, everybody feels like their height has to go to a different level, and that’s what we’re seeking. Ideally, you want transfers done on day one in pre-season. We’ve done very, very well so far. I’m very pleased with the way the club is supporting the necessities and improvements that we required in the team.”
Allegri targets Champions League qualification
The AC Milan manager stated that this season the “main aim is to get back into the Champions League. It won’t be easy since there’s a lot of competition in Italy and many good sides. I have come back full of enthusiasm and desire, but we need to focus on our aims because the only way we can have a good season is by achieving them. Given the size of the brand, AC Milan needs European football, and that is our aim at the start of the season.”
“The club is working hard to make the squad competitive. I am fully with them. We expect Modric to join us in August. He’s a top player who will add technical brilliance and leadership to the squad.”
Prediction
The two sides are historically in different moments, with AC Milan starting a new chapter under Allegri and Arsenal looking to solidify their status ahead of the new season, likely aiming for a trophy this year. Pick: Arsenal 3, AC Milan 1.
