Mikel Arteta has made his message very clear, Arsenal is building something big. The Gunners’ manager looked confident and excited as his team beat Newcastle United 3-2 in a friendly match in Singapore.
But this match was about more than just football on the pitch. It showed how much has changed for both clubs in just a few months.
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Back in May, Newcastle were the team full of energy. They had beaten Arsenal in the League Cup semi-finals and even lifted their first domestic trophy in 70 years. They also secured a return to the Champions League.
Arsenal, on the other hand, ended the season with nothing. It looked like they had missed another big chance to win silverware.
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Now, in Singapore, the story has flipped. Arsenal are spending big, while Newcastle are holding onto hope.
Before the game started, Arsenal showed off their new £63 million striker Viktor Gyokeres. The fans were thrilled to see him in red and white, and Arteta said the club had worked hard to sign him.
Arteta said, “We do have plans. We have a lot of options. We’re increasing the quality and depth of the squad with all our signings. We’re super happy to have Viktor with us.”
He added, “It’s been a long journey to get him here. The players and the whole team are very excited.”
Arsenal have now made six signings this summer. But they are not finished yet. Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace is said to be next on their list.
In the match itself, Newcastle took the lead first through Anthony Elanga. But Arsenal responded quickly. Goals from Mikel Merino and an own goal by Alex Murphy gave Arsenal a 2-1 lead.
In the second half, Jacob Murphy equalized for Newcastle. But then Martin Odegaard scored from the penalty spot to give Arsenal the win.
While Arsenal showed their strength, Newcastle showed signs of weakness. Their manager Eddie Howe looked concerned.
Newcastle’s top striker, Alexander Isak, may be leaving the club. When asked about Isak, Howe said, “Nothing’s changed. We’re going to miss a player like Alex. There’s no denying that.”
Without Isak, Newcastle don’t have many options. In the match, Howe gave game time to young, inexperienced players like William Osula and Sean Nieve.
Howe admitted, “We’re not deluded. We know we need to bring players in. It’s been a challenging transfer window. Let’s see what happens.”
When asked if Isak would join the team in South Korea for the next part of their tour, Howe was clear: “No. No chance.”
Newcastle also face another problem. They want to sign Brentford forward Yoane Wissa. But Brentford don’t want to sell him. They’ve already lost other key players like Christian Norgaard and Bryan Mbeumo.
Wissa is so desperate to join Newcastle that reports say he may refuse to play if he is forced to stay at Brentford.
All of this makes life difficult for Howe. He sees Arsenal spending big and building a powerful squad. But his own club is struggling just to hold on to what they already have.
When asked about Arsenal’s transfer success, Howe was honest but calm. “You can never judge yourself against other clubs. They’ll do what they need to do. We’ve got to do what we have to do.”
It’s a humble attitude, but the pressure is growing. Just two months ago, Newcastle looked like the team of the future.
Now, Arsenal seem stronger, smarter, and ready to fight for trophies again.
Mikel Arteta looks like a man with a plan. Eddie Howe looks like a manager who hopes he doesn’t lose his best players before the season even begins.
For Arsenal fans, there’s a lot to be excited about. For Newcastle supporters, it’s a summer full of questions.
One thing is clear: the Premier League season hasn’t started yet, but the transfer battle is already heating up.


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