The team resumed their summer campaign on Wednesday with a match against AC Milan during their tour of Asia. ..Continue Reading
Bukayo Saka netted the game’s only goal at Singapore National Stadium, while newcomers Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi, and Kepa Arrizabalaga made their first appearances for the club.
However, supporters quickly turned their frustration toward Gabriel Martinelli, criticizing his display against Milan despite his long-standing presence in the squad.
The Brazilian winger, who has featured in over two hundred matches for Arsenal, started on the left flank but was substituted at the break for Leandro Trossard.
Fans were so disappointed with Martinelli’s lack of impact that many began demanding his sale and suggested Rafael Leao—who played for Milan in the same match—should be brought in as his replacement.
One fan on X said: “You see that Martinelli cross. Submit a bid for Leao at halftime.”
A second wrote: “New pre-season, same Martinelli.”
A third added: “We need a left wing upgrade like we need water.”
Another agreed, commenting: “IMMEDIATELY. Make them swap shirts half time at this point.”
Leao, who featured in a central role for AC Milan during the match, has previously been linked with a move to Arsenal, though he doesn’t seem to be part of their current transfer plans.
Arsenal are now on the verge of finalizing a deal for Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, following earlier disputes over the structure of the agreed bonus payments.
Reports from Goal indicate that the Gunners will pay an initial amount of fifty-five million pounds, with the total package potentially rising to sixty-four million depending on performance incentives.
Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, initially insisted that a large portion of the bonuses be paid within the first two years, but Arsenal pushed back and the two sides eventually reached a middle ground to complete the transfer.
The North London club will return to the pitch in Singapore on Sunday to face Newcastle, followed by a high-stakes clash against Tottenham in Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park.
After hosting Villarreal and Athletic Club at the Emirates, Arsenal will begin their Premier League campaign with a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Sunday, August seventeenth.
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