Latest news with #MartinZubimendi
The Independent
38 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Is Arsenal vs AC Milan on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch preseason friendly
Arsenal face AC Milan in a pre-season friendly in Singapore today, with Mikel Arteta hoping to get a look at new signings, promising youngsters and even established first-team players ahead of the new season. The Gunners are bidding to put three consecutive second-place league finishes behind them in the 2025/26 season, with a major trophy now nearly a necessity for the club and for Arteta after a series of near-misses. And the club certainly look to have begun preparations well, with plenty of transfer activity including the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga. While the club have been more active in the transfer window in recent days, this match arrives too soon for new signings Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke, who will have to wait until at least Sunday to make their first appearances. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the game. When is Arsenal vs AC Milan? The match will take place at 12.30pm BST (7.30pm local time) on Wednesday, 23 July at the National Stadium in Singapore. How can I watch it? The match will not be televised live in the UK. Subscribers can stream the game for £4.99 via the club's website ( and the club's official app. Team news Fans hoping to get a glimpse of Viktor Gyokeres will be disappointed, as the new striker has not yet completed his move to the club. Nevertheless, some new faces could be in action, with Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa having all been included in the 30-man squad for the tour of Asia, alongside 15-year-old duo Max Dowman and Marli Salmon. Gabriel could also make his first Gunners appearance since April. For Milan, Luka Modric is still enjoying time off following his World Cup commitments, though star names including Rafael Leao will be present in Singapore. Arsenal's pre-season fixture list All kick-off times BST July 23: AC Milan - Singapore National Stadium, Singapore, 12:30pm July 27: Newcastle United - Singapore National Stadium, Singapore, 12:30pm July 31: Tottenham Hotspur - Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong, 12:30pm August 6: Villarreal - Emirates Stadium, London , 6pm
The Sun
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI has already reached new heights at Arsenal without kicking a ball. The Gunners' £51million signing is all smiles overlooking an incredible skyline on the tallest rooftop bar in Singapore. 6 6 6 6 ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest rumours from the Emirates And it is fitting that he is sat next to his old Real Sociedad and Spain pal Mikel Merino, given the pair were involved in an audaciously orchestrated double-whammy transfer by Arsenal and boss Mikel Arteta stretching back 12 months. Arteta wanted to bring both to the Emirates last summer, but with Socieded reluctant to lose two midfielders in the same window, a deal was struck to allow Merino to leave in August 2024 and then Zubimendi to join him the following season. It was a pre-agreed transfer masterplan complicated by Liverpool's attempts to snatch Zubimendi last summer too. But when talks with Arne Slot's Reds collapsed, Arteta pounced and the transfer was finally rubber-stamped in March – even amid a late play from Real Madrid. When told about Arsenal 's unique negotiation tactic, Merino admitted: 'I didn't know [Zubimendi] was coming. We were really focused on the present. 'We didn't speak much about it. Even with the national team we didn't touch that subject. We didn't talk about our future, but I'm really happy for him to be here. 'We have a great relationship. Hopefully we can keep building our story together in this great club.' San Sebastian-born Zubimendi said: 'It wasn't an easy time because initially I was thinking about staying at Real Sociedad but when important offers came up I would think about new things. 'The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to stay at Sociedad. It wasn't the right time [to leave last summer]. 'I saw that Sociedad was still a step forward for me and the things I had to give were important. So the best thing for me was to stay. 'I don't know what [Arteta] saw in me but what I saw in him is that he's a top coach in Europe. 'When I wanted to leave I wanted a quality coach. I've seen how obsessive and detailed he is with his game so I think I've found the right one. 'It's a change for me. It's the change I wanted. And since the first day I've been here I've noticed the greatness of this club and I'm adapting.' Arteta is plotting more elite, mega-money incomings, with Sporting Lisbon striker and long-term target Viktor Gyokeres on the verge of joining for £63.5m. But as things stand, Zubimendi is Arsenal's statement arrival this summer and knows the pressure is on to be one of the missing pieces of the jigsaw in the club's bid to go from Prem runners-up to champions for the first time in 21 years. On if he can be the difference maker, Zubimendi said: 'Hopefully. The most important thing this club has is that it learns from previous seasons. 'That is going to be key to being even closer to the goals they set. Ultimately, football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League. 'Arsenal were the only team in that semi-final who truly stood up to PSG, and they let it slip because of minor details.' At the end of the day, football is all about the details. I followed them in the Champions League and in that semi-final [defeat], Arsenal were the only team that really put their face to the Paris Saint-Germain and they really missed the details.' The Spain international – who played a starring role in his country's Euro 2024 final triumph over England – is a masterful dictator of the ball from deep, but also a dogged and willing defender. It is no surprise that he looks up to Manchester City's Rodri. Asked what Arteta expects from him in Arsenal's midfield three, Zubimendi – who could make his debut in a friendly against AC Milan on Wednesday – continued: 'He is a coach who demands a lot of things from the midfielders. 6 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW Merino to mentor Zubmendi 'I'm going to try and do things I didn't do before from that position: give the ball a balance and give it the right way out.' Merino says he will act as a mentor for Zubimendi – who he played with at Sociedad between 2019 and 2024, and still does with the national team – and will even help him look for a house near the club's London Colney base. Merino added: 'We have the same mentality of being close to the training ground so we can spend more time there and not waste too much time in the car driving because traffic in London is crazy. It's about football first and then life. 'I don't have any advice to give him because he's an amazing player. The only thing I would say is to be patient when things are not going your way. 'You need time to adapt. But he is going to be ready. He is really smart. He's here because this club provides you with the right atmosphere to build big things, to fight for the big titles.' 6
BBC News
2 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Zubimendi ready for 'new things' after year-long wait to join Arsenal
Arsenal fans will get to see their new midfielder Martin Zubimendi in action for the first time on Wednesday - 12 months after the Gunners first set in motion a deal to bring him to the 26-year-old, one of the most highly-rated number sixes in Europe, played his first minutes for Arsenal in a behind closed door friendly against Watford last his first appearance in front of supporters since making a £60m move from Real Sociedad earlier this month is expected to come against AC Milan in is a name that many football fans will be familiar with, having played a key role in Spain beating England in the Euro 2024 final. Last summer he also turned down a move to was not known at that time, however, is that Arsenal were already making moves to secure Zubimendi this summer after completing a deal for Mikel Merino."I think it was a really well-orchestrated plan by the club, and everybody that was involved in it, to understand how we could get what we wanted in two different years, and both at the same time," said manager Mikel Arteta."And both players were very keen to come, which is very necessary. I think we had a club in Real Sociedad that understood the situation, and they've been excellent."We did what we wanted and the players did what we wanted. I think Real Sociedad at the end were happy with the outcome, so I think it's a very positive outcome for all parties."Arteta was asked if Zubimendi was going to play more as a six or a number eight and, without hesitation, the Arsenal manager made clear why he has brought Zubimendi to the club."Six. Really excited," he said. "And again as I said before when you have him every single day, just around the building, just in training sessions, how he captures the information, how he processes things on the pitch, it's very impressive. "I'm very, very happy to have him." 'It wasn't an easy time' Zubimendi says it "wasn't an easy time" for him last summer, trying to decide what was best for his future during a spell of intense transfer speculation."The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave Real, and it wasn't the right time," he explained."I felt that Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying at Real was the best decision for me."Zubimendi and Arteta hit it off after speaking on the phone and the Spain international says that the Arsenal manager's "obsession" with "details" is one of the reasons why he wanted to join the club."I don't know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe. he explained. "At the end of the day, I wanted a quality coach when I left Real Sociedad. "I think I've found him. In the few days I've been here, I've seen how meticulous he is about every aspect of the game, so I think he's the one."Zubimendi also says he is learning "a lot" from his new boss."I think I'm going to try to do things I didn't do before," he said. "Playing in that position, I'll try to bring balance and provide that passing outlet that I'm known for. "Beyond that, I'm sure he'll ask me to do new things." 'We didn't touch that subject' Zubimendi was talking to reporters alongside team-mate Merino as part of Arsenal's away kit launch at the Nova Rooftop in following Merino to Emirates Stadium, the pair "didn't speak much" about the prospect of being reunited during their year apart."I think we were fighting for big things," said Merino, who also plays alongside Zubimendi with Spain. "For me it was a really tough season last year and he was really focused in Sociedad."Even with the national team we didn't touch that subject. "I guess I was only focused on my thing. I was asking him how he was doing at Sociedad, but we didn't talk about our future."The signing of Zubimendi alongside Christian Norgaard from Brentford means that Merino will have a bigger battle to get into the starting XI, with Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard also playing in the same area of the pitch. "It's unbelievable the amount of quality and talent that we have, not only in the midfield but in the whole squad," said Merino. "I think this is a great, great thing to have. "It's not only pushing each other in every training session and every game to get better, but as well, we saw last year, and we have examples now, how important it is to have a long squad with every player available. "Because injuries can happen, because rotations need to happen. Hopefully this season we can show that we are a strong squad." 'We need to learn from previous seasons' Zubimendi is a statement signing for the Gunners and it is hoped he can be the catalyst to help the club to begin a new era of winning trophies after coming so close in recent seasons."I hope so," said Zubimendi. "The most important thing about this club is that they learn from previous seasons. "I think the lessons they've learned from how last season ended will be key to getting even closer to this year's targets."Ultimately, I believe that football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League."I feel that Arsenal were the only team in that semi-final who truly stood up to PSG [Paris St-Germain], and they let it slip because of minor details. "I also agree with Merino that it's a long season, and injuries play an important role, so the fewer we have, the better."
New York Times
2 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Zubimendi and Merino interview: ‘Quality' Arteta, Arsenal's Basque influence, and last season's lessons
After six years together at Real Sociedad, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino have been reunited in north London (via Singapore). 'It's a different change for me. It's the change I wanted,' says 26-year-old Zubimendi, speaking to reporters at the launch of Arsenal's 2025-26 away kit, at Singapore's rooftop Nova Bar, 63 levels and 282 metres above ground. 'Since the first day I've been here, I've noticed the greatness of this club, and I'm adapting.' Advertisement 'That's why he's here,' adds Merino, 29. 'This club provides you with the right atmosphere to build big things, to fight for the big titles. We have the right attitude, a really hungry group — it's amazing.' In the space of just over 10 months, Arsenal have signed two Spain midfielders from the same La Liga club. In the 2023-24 season, Zubimendi and Merino played 45 games apiece (Merino 39 starts; Zubimendi 41), helping Real Sociedad to a sixth-place finish and the last-16 of the Champions League. Arsenal have since relocated two-thirds of that midfield to north London. Pulling off these two transfers in consecutive summers was a considerable feat. The process was started by former sporting director Edu 12 months ago and was inherited by his interim successor, Jason Ayto, and director of football operations, James King. 'It was a really well-orchestrated plan,' Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Monday. 'And both players were very keen to come, which is very necessary. 'We had a club in Real Sociedad that understood the situation and they've been excellent. We did what we wanted, and the players did what we wanted, and I think Real Sociedad, at the end, were happy with the outcome.' Merino and Zubimendi were not especially conscious of the wider plan — typically for elite footballers, their focus was on the immediacy of the next training session, the next game, the next challenge. 'We were fighting for big things,' explains Merino of last season at Arsenal. 'It was a really tough season, and he was really focused on Sociedad, so we didn't speak much. Even with the national team, we didn't touch that subject. But obviously I'm really happy for him to be here and hopefully we can keep building our story together in this great club.' Zubimendi was deeply committed to focusing on La Real, even as negotiations over his future carried on. Things may have turned out differently: Zubimendi had an opportunity to leave San Sebastian last summer when Liverpool were prepared to meet his €60million release clause. After some deliberation, he declined. 'It wasn't an easy time,' he says. 'I wanted to stay at La Real, but when offers come in, you start thinking about your options. The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave — and it wasn't the right time. I felt La Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying was the best decision.' Advertisement By that stage, Arsenal had made their interest explicit. They respected Zubimendi's desire to stay for an extra year and set about the process of persuading him to join in 2025. The connection between Arteta and Zubimendi was key to the deal. 'I don't know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe,' says Zubimendi. 'I wanted a quality coach when I left Real Sociedad. I think I've found him. In the few days I've been here, I've seen how meticulous he is about every aspect of the game, so I think he's the one.' Arteta is just as enthusiastic about the new signing. 'When you have him every single day, how he captures the information, how he processes things on the pitch, it's very impressive,' the Arsenal manager said. Merino has taken on the 'big brother' role in helping Zubimendi adjust to life at Arsenal. For a player who has only ever played in his native Basque Country, it's a significant change. Although his answers in this interview are given in Spanish, his English is improving. He takes lessons twice a week to speed up the process. Having already adapted to life in England, what advice would Merino offer his team-mate? 'The only thing I would say is to be patient when things are not going your way because sometimes you need time to adapt,' says Merino. 'He's going to adapt perfectly because he's really smart. The group we have is always helping new guys. I felt the love and the help of everyone.' If Merino is totally confident in Zubimendi's capacity to adapt to playing in the Premier League, it may be life away from football where he can provide the most support. 'Outside the pitch is a big step,' says Merino. 'You change countries, you change cultures. The rhythm of life is very different in our old city than in London, in a massive city. Advertisement 'We're going to be living pretty close to one another — not in the same house, though! We have the same mentality of being close to the training ground, so we can spend more time there and not waste too much time in the car driving because traffic in London is crazy. It's about football first and then life. 'Having known each other for seven or eight years, we're going to be doing some plans together.' With Merino alongside him, Zubimendi is settling in well. He has already performed his initiation song — La Bachata, in his native Spanish. Arteta was emphatic when asked where he sees Zubimendi playing — 'six' — and Zubimendi cites Rodri as 'an example' in his own game. But the move to Arsenal will mean evolving his game somewhat. 'Arteta is the kind of coach who expects a lot from his midfielders,' says Zubimendi. 'I'm going to try to do things I didn't do before. Playing in that position, I'll try to bring balance and provide that passing outlet that I'm known for. Beyond that, I'm sure he'll ask me to do new things. After spending the last few months of the season playing as a centre-forward, Merino has already demonstrated his adaptability. 'I'm excited to try to increase my level, to try to learn, to try to keep being important in the squad, whichever role it takes,' he explains. 'Last season, it was a striker role, and I think I adapted quite well. It's about being ready to be whatever the team needs you to be. If you have to play as a striker or goalkeeper, just have the right attitude.' Is Zubimendi ready to play as a striker if needed? 'Not yet!' he replies in English. 'He could do it, I think,' says Merino. 'You might have to!' Arteta believes Zubimendi can help transform Arsenal from contenders into winners, but the player believes there are other aspects which could prove the difference. Advertisement 'The most important thing about this club is that they learn from previous seasons,' says the midfielder. 'The lessons they've learned from how last season ended will be key to getting even closer to this year's targets. 'Football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League. Arsenal were the only team who truly stood up to Paris Saint-Germain and they let it slip because of minor details.' Watching that Champions League has whetted Zubimendi's appetite for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium. 'Of course, when you sign for a club, the first thing that comes to mind is playing at home and soaking up the atmosphere,' he says. 'I've heard that last year was a special one — especially for Merino.' Zubimendi adds to a growing contingent of Spanish-speakers at London Colney. Merino insists, however, that the dressing room is well-integrated. 'We have an unbelievable atmosphere,' says Merino. 'It's not groups like the Spanish guys from one side and the French guys from the other. We are all mixed together. We have a really good mixture of different cultures, different guys from different places that all go for the same goal. It's great to have these guys in the squad. It's always laughing, it's always joking around. 'It's true that we have many Spanish players now, but we understand that we are in an English club, so we try to respect that. We try to speak as much English as possible.' Although it's predominantly an English-speaking dressing room, Arteta will use Spanish to quickly convey tactical instructions to his compatriots. Or if he's angry? 'He uses good English as well when he's angry!' quips Merino. Arsenal have added another Basque footballer, Kepa Arrizabalaga, during this summer's transfer window. Throw in former Real Sociedad players such as Merino and Martin Odegaard, as well as manager Arteta, and there is a distinctly Basque flavour at Arsenal now. This follows a trend in the Premier League, with other managers such as Unai Emery and Andoni Iraola impressing. Advertisement 'Now it's not only coaches, it's players, too!' says Arteta. 'I think it's the environment — the passion about the game, the education. 'Kepa is from not very far from where I lived, and when you see him walk through the door, immediately at the start, what do you think? I say, 'Woah, Oh my god. Straight away, what a joy to work with'.' They make for good players, then? 'Hopefully good people,' says Arteta.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
How to watch Arsenal vs AC Milan: Live stream and kick-off time for pre-season match
Arsenal kick off their 2025/26 pre-season with a blockbuster friendly against AC Milan in Singapore, marking the start of their Asia tour. The Gunners, eager to end a five-year trophy drought after another second-place Premier League finish, have bolstered their squad with several high-profile signings this summer. Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard have added technical quality and much-needed depth in midfield, while Noni Madueke will be hoping to challenge Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for a starting spot on the wings. Kepa Arrizabalaga has also arrived to provide cover for No. 1 goalkeeper David Raya. Arsenal remain in the market for a striker, with a blockbuster move for Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres still in play. However, with negotiations still ongoing, supporters may have to wait until next month for a potential unveiling of the Swedish international. Their pre-season opener won't be easy. Milan, now boasting the legendary Luka Modric in midfield, will provide a formidable early test. Here, Mirror Football brings you everything you need to know - from match details and how to watch, to the latest Arsenal team news. When is kick-off for Arsenal vs AC Milan? Arsenal vs AC Milan takes place on Wednesday, July 23 at 12:30pm UK time, 7:30pm local time at the National Stadium in Kallang, Singapore. The 55,000-capacity venue sets an appropriately lavish stage for the Gunners' first match of their Asia tour. How can I watch Arsenal vs AC Milan? The match will not be broadcast on UK television but can be streamed live on and the official Arsenal app. An early bird pass costs £4.99 until 9am BST on July 23, rising to £9.99 thereafter. Their pre-season pass, covering this game and four others (Newcastle, Tottenham, Athletic Club, and Villarreal), is available for £14.99. Repeat showings are available every three hours post-match. What's the Arsenal team news? Summer signings Zubimendi, Norgaard and Kepa are all in line to make their debuts. Madueke, however, has not travelled with the squad. This is because he is owed time off after taking part in Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign. Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined, recovering from a knee injury sustained last season, with an expected return in August. Elsewhere, academy prospects like Max Dowman could see minutes, as could fellow youngsters Ismael Kabia, Louie Copley, Josh Nichols, Andre Harriman-Annous and Marli Salmon, who have all also flown out. As for Milan, Modric will not be taking part in the game as, like Madueke, he has not travelled after competing for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup. Ex-Chelsea trio Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic are all expected to be involved though, as is Portugal superstar Rafael Leao. What are Arsenal's pre-season fixtures? After AC Milan, Arsenal face Newcastle in Singapore, followed by a north London derby against Tottenham in Hong Kong. The squad will then fly home before facing Villarreal and Athletic Club at the Emirates Stadium ahead of their crunch Premier League opener away at Manchester United on August 17. Here is Arsenal's pre-season fixture list in full: What is Arsenal and AC Milan's head-to-head? Milan may be one of Europe's most decorated clubs, but Arsenal have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings. In eight previous encounters, the Gunners have claimed four victories and suffered just two defeats. More impressively, Arsenal have won their last three games against the Italian giants - and four of the last five overall. Their most recent clash came in the 2017/18 Europa League round of 16, where Arsenal cruised to a 5-1 aggregate win, securing a 2-0 victory at the San Siro before finishing the job with a 3-1 triumph at the Emirates. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
