Overview
- Arsenal beat MK Dons 3-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly on July 25 with goals from Reiss Nelson, Ethan Nwaneri and academy forward Ceadach O’Neill.
- New signing Christos Tzolis provided the assist for Nelson on his unofficial debut and has been reported to have joined from Club Brugge for a £34m fee.
- Illan Meslier made his first appearance for the club in the second half, replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga and producing a low save that helped preserve a clean sheet.
- Mikel Arteta used the match to give extensive minutes to academy players, including Josh Ogunnaike, Brayden Clarke, Ife Ibrahim, Demiane Agustien and Evan Mooney as he evaluates loan and development options.
- The squad flew to Girona after the friendly with World Cup returnees Kai Havertz, Piero Hincapie and Viktor Gyokeres joining the group, Ben White and Jurrien Timber managed cautiously and a tougher friendly at Estadi Montilivi set for August 1.