Arsenal Announce 30-Man Travelling Squad for Asia Pre-Season Tour

Arsenal have officially confirmed their 30-man squad for the club’s pre-season tour of Asia, as preparations for the 2025/26 campaign gather pace. Mikel Arteta has named a blend of senior stars, exciting new signings, and emerging academy talents, with the travelling group set to play a series of high-profile friendlies in Japan, South Korea, and China over the next two weeks.

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeping department includes summer loan arrival Kepa Arrizabalaga, who joins David Raya in a battle for the No.1 spot. Academy talents James Hillson Setford and Diego Rojas-Fedorushchenko round out the options between the posts, with both expected to feature in the closing stages of matches to gain senior experience.

Defenders

A strong defensive group makes the trip, including established starters William Saliba, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhães, and Jurrien Timber, who is returning from a long-term injury. Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and new signing Riccardo Calafiori offer versatility across the backline, while youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly, Josh Nichols, and Noah Salmon are rewarded for impressive performances at youth level with first-team involvement.

Calafiori’s inclusion is especially notable after his transfer from Bologna. The 22-year-old Italian defender will look to integrate into Arteta’s system and could feature at both centre-back and left-back during the tour.

Midfielders

Arsenal’s midfield is one of the most competitive areas of the squad. Captain Martin Ødegaard leads a group that features the experienced trio of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and new arrival Christian Nørgaard. Sambi Lokonga is also included, suggesting he may still have a chance to impress despite speculation around his future.

The highly anticipated inclusion of Martín Zubimendi marks another significant step in Arsenal’s midfield rebuild, with the former Real Sociedad man expected to compete directly with Rice and Merino. Bradley Ibrahim Copley, one of the most promising youth midfielders at the club, also makes the trip.

Forwards

In attack, Arsenal bring a rich blend of speed, creativity, and youth. Star winger Bukayo Saka is present alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, while Kai Havertz continues to be deployed as a flexible option across the forward line.

Academy standout Ethan Nwaneri continues his integration into the senior setup, and Reiss Nelson also travels as discussions about his future continue. Youth forwards Adrian Kabia, Dan Dowman, and Jadon Harriman-Annous are also included, underlining the club’s continued emphasis on youth development.

No Viktor Gyökeres Yet

One notable absence is Viktor Gyökeres, with talks between Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon still ongoing. The striker has agreed personal terms, but the clubs are yet to finalise bonus payments that will push the deal over the line. Gyökeres could still join the squad mid-tour if a breakthrough is reached in the coming days.

Arsenal’s tour will serve as a crucial period to build fitness, integrate new signings, and test tactical setups ahead of a season in which they hope to challenge on all fronts.