Arsenal pre-season tracker: Christos Tzolis on target as Mikel Arteta's side beat Girona

React to this story

Premier League champions Arsenal head into the 2026/27 season looking to defend their title, having won it for the first time since 2003/04 last term. Christos Tzolis made the perfect start to his Arsenal career, scoring on his debut as Mikel Arteta’s side secured a dominant 4-1 pre-season win over Girona at Montilivi.

'Incredible achievement' - Saka on hat-trick against France

Video credit: SNTV

The winger, signed for a reported £34 million from Club Brugge, impressed during his 60-minute appearance, offering a constant attacking threat and linking well with Riccardo Calafiori on the left flank before marking his first outing with a goal.

Tzolis doubled Arsenal’s lead after Max Dowman had created the opener with a superb turn and through-ball for Kai Havertz, who calmly finished beyond Paulo Gazzaniga.

The summer arrival reacted quickly inside the box before seeing his effort take a deflection and settle in the bottom corner.

Transfers

Arsenal push to secure Guimaraes and Vinicius deals - Paper Round

33 minutes ago

Girona briefly threatened after the break when Arnau Martinez headed home from a corner but Arsenal responded immediately, with Dowman restoring their two-goal advantage with a powerful strike from distance.

Gabriel Jesus added a fourth after capitalising on a defensive mistake, ensuring Arsenal closed out a comfortable victory despite a series of second-half changes.

Tzolis’ goal and lively display provided further encouragement for Arteta, with the new signing showing he could offer more than just squad depth in the attacking positions. The Gunners now head to Dublin to face Real Betis on Wednesday.

Max Dowman scored one and provided an assist against Girona

Image credit: Getty Images

Gunners debut new 'bruised banana' strip

Against Girona, Arsenal wore their new adidas away kit for the first time, with the design drawing inspiration from one of the most recognisable shirts in the club's history.

The new strip pays tribute to the famous early 90s away kit that introduced the much-loved ‘bruised banana’ pattern, but re-imagines the classic design with a contemporary twist.

Rather than simply recreating the original, adidas have produced a modern reverse interpretation of the iconic shirt.

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright was among the familiar faces involved in the launch, helping showcase a kit that reflects both the club’s heritage and its connection with generations of supporters.

Wright, who wore the original era's Arsenal colours during his legendary spell in north London, provided a fitting link between the historical design and its modern revival.

The kit features a dark navy base, officially described as ‘collegiate navy’, complemented by striking yellow detailing and red accents on the sleeves and collar.

The distinctive pattern continues across the back of the shirt and extends onto the sleeves, ensuring the retro influence runs throughout the design.

Adding to the nostalgic feel, the Premier League champions and adidas have opted for the Trefoil logo rather than the three-stripe branding, while the club's iconic cannon replaces the modern Arsenal crest on the chest.

Arsenal pre-season fixtures and results

Match	Date and time (UK)
Arsenal 4-1 Girona	Saturday, August 1, 19:00, Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, Girona
Arsenal v Real Betis	Wednesday, August 6, 19:30, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Arsenal v Borussia Dortmund	Sunday, August 9, 14:30, Emirates Stadium
Arsenal v Como	Wednesday, August 12, 19:30, Emirates Stadium

Arsenal pre-season squad

Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Illan Meslier

Defenders: Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Marli Salmon, Piero Hincapie

Midfielders: Christian Norgaard, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, Fabio Vieira, Max Dowman

Forwards: Reiss Nelson, Gabriel Jesus, Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, Christos Tzolis

William Saliba will not be involved owing to a back injury, with Arsenal confirming that he will be out for "an extended period".

There were also injury concerns regarding Rice and Saka at the World Cup but Arteta will be encouraged that both players featured in England's final game against France.

Brazil's Gabriel Martinelli and club captain Martin Odegaard, who had a good tournament for Norway, are expected to be rested for a short period of time.

Having crashed out in the round of 32, strikers Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres were among the first to return.

New signings watch

Hincapie has plenty of experience in an Arsenal shirt, having played last season while on loan from Bayer Leverkusen. Now his deal is permanent, the Ecuador international will be fighting to make the left-back slot his.

Meslier, meanwhile, will be in competition with Kepa Arrizabalaga to provide back up on the bench for Raya and start in the cups.

Tzolis impressed during his time with Club Brugge but all eyes will be on the TNT Sports transfer news feed to see if The Gunners can strengthen further before the new campaign begins.

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Download the TNT Sports app on iPhone and Android.

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max

Premier League

Alonso coy on Chelsea future for 'special' Mudryk ahead of potential return

13 minutes ago

Transfers

Mudryk linked with surprise transfer - Paper Round

a day ago