Arsenal and AC Milan are set to face off this Wednesday in Singapore`s National Stadium, marking their initial pre-season encounter. Both clubs are undergoing significant transformations this summer. Mikel Arteta`s Arsenal has already bolstered its squad with several key additions, including goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as a new backup for David Raya, and a revamped defensive midfield featuring Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, replacing Jorginho and Thomas Partey. Recent acquisitions also include Cristhian Mosquera for $18.6 million and Noni Madueke, a substantial $70 million signing from Chelsea. Attention is now focused on the potential arrival of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.
Meanwhile, AC Milan is also experiencing substantial restructuring, with Massimiliano Allegri returning as manager, succeeding Sergio Conceicao for the upcoming season. The Rossoneri have secured Samuele Ricci from Torino and Luka Modric as a free agent. However, the club has also seen significant departures, including Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City and Theo Hernandez to Al-Hilal. Additionally, loanees Joao Felix, Kyle Walker, and Tammy Abraham have concluded their stints. Wednesday`s match will kick off their pre-season, as they aim for a stronger performance following a challenging 2024-25 campaign.
Match Details and 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
Predicted 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 Discusses Squad Depth Concerns
Ahead of Arsenal`s pre-season opener, coach Mikel Arteta addressed the media, acknowledging the need for further squad enhancements. He stated, “The transfer window remains open for a significant period, and we are actively pursuing targets. Currently, we are short on numbers, necessitating improvements in both squad depth and overall quality. While we continuously monitor the market, my immediate focus is on working with our existing players, and I am very satisfied with their progress over the past 10-15 days.” Arteta also highlighted the positive impact of new signings: “It feels like a fresh start, with new faces bringing renewed excitement and energy. We`ve secured some very important players, and it pushes everyone to elevate their performance. Ideally, transfers are completed by the first day of pre-season, and I am highly pleased with how the club has supported our requirements and desired team improvements so far.”
Massimiliano Allegri Targets Champions League Return
AC Milan`s manager, Massimiliano Allegri, emphasized the club`s primary objective for the upcoming season: “The main aim is to secure a return to the Champions League. This will be challenging, given the intense competition and strong teams in Italy.” He expressed his personal commitment, stating, “I`ve returned with immense enthusiasm and determination, but we must remain focused on our objectives, as achieving them is crucial for a successful season. For a club of AC Milan`s stature, European football is essential, and that is our clear goal from the outset.” Regarding the ongoing transfer window, Allegri confirmed, “The club is diligently working to build a competitive squad, and I fully support their efforts. We anticipate Modric joining us in August; he is a top-tier player who will contribute significant technical skill and leadership to the team.”
Prediction
Given their current trajectories, Arsenal and AC Milan find themselves at distinct junctures. AC Milan is embarking on a new era under Allegri, while Arsenal aims to solidify its position and potentially contend for silverware this season. Our prediction for the match is Arsenal 3, AC Milan 1.
