Arsenal vs Milan: Saka goal opens scoring as Gunners boss pre season friendly

Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal a deserved 53rd-minute lead in their pre-season opener against Milan on Wednesday after Ethan Nwaneri almost scored with a moment of first-half magic.

England forward Saka arrived at the far post to meet half-time substitute Jakub Kiwior’s searching cross from the left, failing to add a clean touch but applying enough on the ball with a boot to divert the delivery in from close range.

Winger Nwaneri, who turned 18 in March, collected new signing Christian Norgaard’s pass in a central position outside the penalty area and flicked the ball up while spinning away from Christian Pulisic before blasting in a shot that was pushed away by Milan newcomer Pietro Terracciano.

The Gunners had 11 of the 13 attempts at goal between the teams before the break, including a Riccardo Calafiori header that was cleared off the line by Strahinja Pavlovic in a game that will end in a penalty shootout after 90 minutes regardless of the result.

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Arsenal vs Milan latest: Premier League side on top

Starting their Asia tour, Arsenal did much of the attacking against a Milan side playing for the first time in Max Allegri’s second spell in charge.

The Coppa Italia finalists finished eighth last season and their first-half performance perhaps emphasised that Allegri, who is said to have been experimenting with new formations in training, has a considerable job on his hands to restore them to the title-winning side of his first campaign at the helm in 2010/11.

The Rossoneri defended resolutely during the opening period, though, in the face of persistent attempts to enter the box from the fleet-footed likes of Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz, and Alexis Saelemaekers, who had a productive season on loan at Roma in 2024/25, should have at least tested David Raya from a presentable opportunity.

Former Chelsea forward Pulisic surged along the left and cut a pass back inside the box to Belgium winger Saelemaekers, who crashed a shot comfortably clear of the target.

Arsenal team vs AC Milan

Denmark midfielder 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 Martin Zubimendi, who arrived from Real Sociedad for £60m on July 6, came on at half-time, among wholesale changes.

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

Former Spain international Kepa Arrizabalaga, who remains the world’s most expensive goalkeeper thanks to the £72m fee Chelsea paid Athletic Club for him in 2018, replaced Raya at the break, having signed for £5m from the Blues.

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

Is Arsenal vs Milan on TV? How to watch live streams online

The game kicked off at 12:30 BST on Wednesday and is being shown live on Arsenal.com and Arsenal’s official app, priced at £6.99.

Viewers can watch repeats of the game every three hours after the full-time whistle. A Pre-Season Pass providing access to the stream and live coverage of four subsequent matches against Newcastle, Tottenham, Athletic Club and Villarreal costs £14.99.

Milan TV is broadcasting the game via Amazon Prime Video, costing €3.99 a month with a free 15-day trial.

Arsenal pre season fixtures 2025/26

July 23 vs AC Milan (Singapore)
July 27 vs Newcastle (Singapore)
July 31 vs Spurs (Hong Kong)
August 5 vs Villarreal (H)
August 9 vs Athletic Club (H)

What kit are Arsenal wearing vs Milan?

Arsenal are 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.

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