Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal's pre-season plan ruined on day one of Singapore tour

Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal's pre-season plan ruined on day one of Singapore tour

Arsenal have landed in Singapore to begin their pre-season tour of Asia, but they suffered an early setback as Mikel Arteta's squad were not able to train on day one

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Arsenal have suffered a setback in their pre-season after they were unable to train on the first day of their tour of Asia. The Gunners began their preparations for the new season with an optional training camp in Marbella before jetting to Singapore to formally start pre-season.

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Arsenal are set to play AC Milan and Newcastle at the National Stadium on July 23 and 27 respectively, before travelling to Hong Kong for the first north London derby match held outside the UK when they face rivals Tottenham at Kai Tak Stadium on July 31.

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Mikel Arteta named a 30-player travelling squad which included new signings Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard and when asked about Arsenal's pre-season preparations after arriving in Singapore, the Gunners boss said: "A very good period in Spain.

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"Trained really hard with the new signings. Super exited to be here. An incredible welcome from our supporters here, they are so passionate. And adapting to the context, the weather we were unable to train today. We have to adapt to those situations too and very excited to have a successful tour."

Arteta also addressed Arsenal's transfer business, with Noni Madueke not joining the squad in Asia after featuring for Chelsea at the Club World Cup and deals for striker Viktor Gyokeres and defender Cristhian Mosquera yet to be finalised.

When asked about the new signings, Arteta added: "It's like shaking the tree again. Bringing new faces, they bring new excitement, new energy as well. We signed very important players as well. I think everybody feels that the heights have to go to different level and it's what we are seeking.

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"It was a long process [signing Zubimendi] and he had a lot of opportunities to decide about whether he wanted to come. The good news is that this club is amazing and everyone wants to come to it. He left some very good opportunities to come to us.

"We are all very impressed about what we have seen over the last 7-10 days. Because once you have the player daily and you see his character, his personality, his character and how much he is going to bring to the team. Very excited about it.

Arsenal have travelled to Singapore as part of their pre-season preparations (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images )

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"There's still a long time in the window and we are seeking still, in terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market. Until that happens, focus on the players we have and focus on them and I'm very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days.

"I'm very pleased, that's all I'll say. There are a lot of parties and things that we have to bear in mind to get a player over the line and here. I'm very hopeful that we are going to do it very soon."

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