Bukayo Saka [Pedro-Porru/SPP]

IF Arsenal hadn’t reportedly already agreed a transfer fee of £55million for Viktor Gyokeres then Sporting may well have been tempted to up their asking price following the Gunners’ pre-season opener in Asia yesterday (Wednesday).

The club’s desperate need for a new striker was yet again evident as they had 23 shots, nine on target, against AC Milan in Singapore.

Bukayo Saka’s second-half strike proved enough to earn Mikel Arteta’s side a 1-0 win.

However, despite the lack of finishing there were plenty of positives for Arteta.

Fresh from signing a new five-year deal with the north Londoners, Ethan Nwaneri looked full of poise and promise, while Ben White was back to his very best.

Summer signings Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga all got vital minutes under their belt, while the highlight of the friendly was a bright cameo from promising 15-year-old academy product Max Dowman.