Arsenal: Gyokeres, Dowman & Arteta's new plans

Arsenal have completed their pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong and return to England hoping the preparations will help them win their first trophy since 2020.

Plans for this pre-season heavily involved manager Mikel Arteta. He was across the idea to put on the voluntary player training camp in June, before the full group travelled to Spain and on to Asia.

The Gunners were decimated by injuries last year and Arteta has spoken previously about how too long a break means the players break down when exposed to physical stress after a period of rest. The camps were designed to get them to a high level as soon as possible.

The pre-season work seemed to have the desired effect and all three of the Gunners' opponents mentioned Arsenal's level of performance, while Arteta himself believes there has been a click.

The pressure to win a trophy is not something the club are shying away from - centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes referenced it in interviews, as did Arteta in his first news conference of the tour - alongside huge posters showing the slogan 'ready for new heights' at the away kit launch in Singapore.

Arsenal have been busy early in the transfer market, with six new signings made before the tour was over. Only winger Noni Madueke, who was given time off after playing for Chelsea in the Club World Cup, was left at home to go on holiday.

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