Bukayo Saka poked in the 53rd-minute winner as Arsenal began pre-season with a dominant win over Milan at the Singapore National Stadium on Wednesday.
England forward Saka arrived at the far post to meet half-time substitute Jakub Kiwior’s inviting cross from the left, adding enough on the ball with a boot to divert the delivery in from close range.
Winger Ethan Nwaneri almost scored with an inspired turn and shot before the break that was pushed away by Milan newcomer Pietro Terracciano, while the veteran was replaced in goal after 66 minutes by Lorenzo Torriani, who made an excellent save from Mikel Merino’s header to prevent Arsenal from doubling their lead.
Strahinja Pavlovic also cleared Riccardo Calafiori’s header off the line with half-time looming in a game that ended with an eventful penalty shootout, featuring a string of full-stretch stops by 6ft 8in Torriani and new Arsenal signing Kepa Arrizabalaga.
In an 18-penalty spectacle, six of the first 10 were saved before Arsenal prodigy Marli Salmon sent his shot over and 17-year-old Christian Comotto scored to give Milan a measure of consolation.
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Arsenal vs Milan result: Premier League side win
Starting their Asia tour, Arsenal had 23 of the 26 attempts at goal between the teams, nine of the efforts on target and 14 of the 16 corners as Milan began Max Allegri’s second spell in charge by giving the revered Italian plenty to think about.
The Coppa Italia finalists, who finished eighth last season, were grateful to the busy Torriani again when the 20-year-old tipped Leandro Trossard’s rising effort from distance over the bar, beat Martin Odegaard’s angled drive behind and turned Reiss Nelson’s low shot around a post.
The Rossoneri had kept Arsenal from entering the box to telling effect during the first half and should have tested David Raya when Alexis Saelemaekers, who contributed seven league goals and five assists at Roma in 2024/25, met Christian Pulisic’s cross with a shot over the bar from inside the box.
England Under-17 playmaker Max Dowman, who does not turn 16 in December, was particularly impressive for Arsenal after coming on during the second half, belying his inexperience with a series of eye-catching runs and passes as his side repeatedly pushed for a second.
Odegaard, Nelson and Kiwior also erred from the spot for Arsenal, while Martin Zubimendi, Merino, Trossard, Dowman and Josh Nichols scored.
Lorenzo Colombo, Mattia Liberali and Noah Okafor had penalties saved for Milan, for whom Matteo Gabbia, Warren Bondo, Samuel Chukwueze, Filippo Terracciano and Matteo Dutu also scored.
Arsenal team vs AC Milan
Denmark midfielder Christian Norgaard – signed from Brentford for a fee of up to £15 million – started, as did defender Calafiori following an injury-strewn 2024/25.
Spain midfielder Zubimendi, who arrived from Real Sociedad for £60m on July 6, came on at half-time, as did Kepa, a £5m signing from Chelsea who remains the world’s most expensive goalkeeper thanks to the £72m fee the Blues paid Athletic Club for him in 2018.
Trossard, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard and Kiwior also came on at the interval, with 15-year-old centre-back Salmon, Dowman and 18-year-old defender Nichols introduced later in the half alongside Merino.
Noni Madueke joined for an initial £48m from Chelsea last week but wasnot involved because the England forward is being allowed extra rest time following his involvement in the 2025 Club World Cup. following
Gabriel Jesus remains out with a knee injury sustained in January but the striker has posted Instagram updates showing him working in the gym.
Arsenal starting XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Calafiori, Zinchenko; Norgaard, Rice, Nwaneri; Saka, Martinelli, Havertz
Arsenal subs: Kepa, Setford, Rojas, Nichols, Kiwior, Salmon, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Lokonga, Copley, Merino, Dowman, Odegaard, Kabia, Nelson, Trossard
Arsenal pre season fixtures 2025/26
July 27 vs Newcastle (Singapore)
July 31 vs Spurs (Hong Kong)
August 5 vs Villarreal (H)
August 9 vs Athletic Club (H)
What kit did Arsenal wear vs Milan?
Arsenal were wearing their new 2025/26 away shirt and will also use it against Newcastle at the same venue in four days’ time (12:30).
Midfielder Declan Rice said he “loved the look” of the kit. “We can’t wait to wear it for the first time in front of our supporters here in Singapore,” added the England international when the strip was launched.
“Gooners all over the world give us a special energy. We’re excited to take that with us into an exciting new season.”
When does Arsenal’s 2025/26 Premier League season start?
The first round of Premier League matches in 2025/26 will be on the weekend of August 16 2025, including Arsenal’s trip to Manchester United on Sunday, August 17 at 16:30 BST.
The game against the 2024/25 Europa League finalists is being shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League, Ultra and Main Event.
The last round of matches this season will all start at the same time on May 24 2026. No rounds will take place within 60 hours of each other and there will be no fixture on December 24.
How to watch Arsenal on TV: Sky Sports
Prices for Sky Sports and TNT Sports vary. Via Now TV, Sky Sports costs £14.99 for a day membership, £26 a month for a six-month membership or £34.99 a month with no contract.
Sky Sports memberships include access to all 12 live Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+, which offers live streams and a dedicated channel.
How to watch Arsenal on TNT Sports
According to BT, TNT Sports costs £20 a month when bought with a broadband package or £30.99 a month without a contract.
Those prices include discovery+ Premium, which offers access to thousands of exclusive shows and originals.
Arsenal live streams: How to watch games online
Both broadcasters have dedicated apps allowing fans to live-stream the games: SkyGO for Sky Sports and discovery+ for TNT Sports.
Both apps are available on a vast range of devices.
