Arsenal's pre-season preparations suffered an early setback on Monday as the squad was unable to train on the first day of their tour in Singapore. The Gunners arrived in the city-state after an optional training camp in Marbella, with manager Mikel Arteta naming a 30-man travelling squad including new signings Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard.
Arteta described the weather conditions as a factor in the cancellation, saying: "We were unable to train today. We have to adapt to those situations." The tour will see Arsenal face AC Milan and Newcastle United at the National Stadium on 23 and 27 July respectively, before travelling to Hong Kong for a historic north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at Kai Tak Stadium on 31 July.
Speaking about the new arrivals, Arteta said: "It's like shaking the tree again. Bringing new faces brings new excitement and energy. We signed very important players." He highlighted Zubimendi's decision to join Arsenal after a long process, adding: "He left some very good opportunities to come to us. We are all very impressed with what we have seen over the last 7-10 days."
The manager also addressed ongoing transfer business, noting that Noni Madueke is not with the squad after featuring for Chelsea at the Club World Cup, while deals for striker Viktor Gyokeres and defender Cristhian Mosquera remain unfinished. "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," Arteta said. "I'm very hopeful that we are going to do it very soon."
