Arsenal Unveils 2025 Preseason Squad with Rising Stars but Notable New Signing Absent

Many believe the 2025–26 campaign will be crucial for Mikel Arteta's Arsenal tenure, following the Spanish manager's fifth consecutive season without any trophies.

The North London club has been active in transfers, though Liverpool's aggressive summer spending suggests the champions will mount a strong title defense. Arsenal must show significant improvement from last term to secure their first league title since 2003–04.

New sporting director Andrea Berta has been involved in multiple transfer dealings, with fans optimistic that their long-awaited striker signing will be confirmed soon.

Though more time is needed to finalize their preferred goalscorer, Arsenal's early summer acquisitions mean new players will feature in their Far East preseason tour. The Gunners typically spent previous summers under Arteta in America, but have shifted approach in 2025, scheduling three matches in Hong Kong and Singapore instead.

Below is the 30-man squad Arteta has chosen for Arsenal's Asian tour.

Arsenal's 30-Player 2025 Preseason Squad

Three summer recruits will participate in the Far East tour, though their latest (and controversial) signing, Noni Madueke, won't travel. Arsenal have advised the winger to recuperate following his recent Club World Cup commitments with Chelsea.

Martin Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga are all set to make their Arsenal debuts during the tour.

Fábio Vieira, who represented Porto at the Club World Cup, has been omitted, as has Reiss Nelson, who spent last campaign on loan at Fulham. Apart from these, there are no significant exclusions from Arteta's selection, with Gabriel Magalhães providing reassurance after missing the season's end due to a serious hamstring problem.

Rising talents Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri are predictably included, while considerable excitement surrounds 15-year-old Max Dowman. Declan Rice is among those praising the young playmaker, who has trained with the senior squad and is anticipated to make his first-team debut next season.

Tommy Setford (who joined from Ajax last summer), Alexei Rojas-Fedorushchenko, Josh Nichols, Marli Salmon, Louie Copley, Ismeal Kabia and Andre Harriman-Annous are the additional academy prospects eager to impress this summer.

Arsenal's 2025 Asia Tour Fixtures

Arsenal's tour begins on Wednesday, July 23, facing Milan before meeting Newcastle United, then Tottenham Hotspur in the inaugural overseas North London Derby.