ARSENAL were forced to reschedule the first training session of their pre-season tour of Singapore due to THUNDERSTORMS.
The Gunners landed in Singapore on Sunday afternoon ahead of clashes against AC Milan and Newcastle this week before flying out to Hong Kong to take on Tottenham.
Boss Arteta had hoped to get straight to work on Monday morning before holding a press conference to preview the Milan game.
But a huge downpour – which included thunder and lightning – scuppered those plans, with training instead moved to the afternoon ahead of the club’s launch of their away kit later today.
Arteta explained in his presser: “With the weather we were unable to train today.
“We have to adapt to those situations. We are very excited to have a successful tour.”
The Gunners will hope to not have any more disruptions as Arteta attempts to bed in his new signings Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga on this trip, with another new-boy Noni Madueke back in London resting from the Club World Cup.
Reports have suggested that Manchester United are preparing a last-gasp hijacking of Arsenal's £63.5million deal for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres.
But the Gunners are quietly confident that the club have their new No9, with Gyokeres pushing for a move to the Emirates and the negotiations over add-ons in the final stages.
Arteta is keen to transform his squad even further, with Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera making a £16.5m switch from Valencia, while Crystal Palace’s £60m-rated Eberechi Eze remains a target.
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There had been hope that the Gyokeres transfer would be completed in time for him to play some part of Arsenal’s pre-season opener against AC Milan on Wednesday.
And asked about the Swede, Arteta said: “I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet. When we have something concrete to offer, we will do that.”
If the club get a deal for Gyokeres over the line, the striker would likely have to wait until August 6 when the Gunners host Villarreal in their first pre-season game back from Asia.
After that, Arteta's side conclude their summer preparations against Athletic Club, before ironically kicking off the Premier League season away at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Gunners defender Gabriel reckons the club will hit “new heights” this season following another agonising year as the Prem's nearly men.
And Arteta insists he is “100 per cent” confident that Arsenal followed the correct processes regarding the club's handling of Thomas Partey.
