Bukayo Saka reveals Arsenal squad’s true feelings towards £182m transfer splurge

Last updated Jul 25, 2025

Bukayo Saka wore the captain’s armband for Arsenal in their opening pre-season friendly of the summer and then hailed the new arrivals to Mikel Arteta’s squad

Bukayo Saka in action for Arsenal against AC Milan.

Bukayo Saka has said excitement levels are high in the Arsenal dressing room after three of their summer signings made debut appearances against AC Milan in Singapore – with at least two more new faces to follow.

England star Saka scored the only goal in the Gunners’ opening pre-season fixture while wearing the captain’s armband. And Mikel Arteta gave minutes to Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga – in addition to including a trio of academy starlets.

With Noni Madueke, who is enjoying a break having joined last week from Chelsea, and Viktor Gyokeres, subject to the dotting of Is and crossing of Ts, to be introduced into the group before the Premier League season begins, Arsenal appear buoyant after a transfer spend of about £182m already this summer.

“Yeah, we’re very excited we have some new signings,” Saka said after the AC Milan win. “The same group, we’re all top quality players. We have the confidence that we’re going to have a big year.”

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Asked about Saka’s performance, Arteta said: “We have pushed him through the summer to catch up on a lot of things that he had to to give himself the best chance to exploit his qualities better and more highlighted and with more impact every time physically he’s at the highest level.”

The Arsenal manager also gave debuts to Max Dowman and Marli Salmon, both of whom are 15 years old, along with right back Josh Nichols, 18, in the sticky Singapore conditions.

Max Dowman looked confident in his debut as a second-half substitute.

“Very happy with all the kids,” Arteta added. “I think they are able to play at that level at 15 years old in my opinion because of the environment and culture that is within the team.

“When somebody makes you feel so comfortable and so confident straightaway you can go and do it. At least it gives you the best chance and then you have to have the qualities this kid has to deliver against opposition like this.”