SINGAPORE - English Premier League (EPL) giants Arsenal have arrived in Singapore on Monday evening ahead of their participation in the Barclays Asia Trophy on July 15 and 18.
The Gunners touched down shortly after 4.30pm at Changi Airport's JetQuay CIP terminal, but that did not deter a group of 100 Arsenal fans from gathering outside the private terminal hoping to catch a glimpse of their footballing heroes.
Goalkeeper and new signing Petr Cech is in line to make his Arsenal debut in this tournament, while midfielders Jack Wilshere and Mesut Oezil are other notable inclusions in the club's 25-man squad. However, Chilean star Alexis Sanchez was given an extended break after his involvement in the Copa America.
"He can contribute to stabilise our defensive sector. I must say in the second part of the season, we have conceded 13 goals in 19 games. There is not much room there to be much better," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said of Cech, who signed from reigning EPL champions Chelsea.
Added captain Mikel Arteta: "The decision he made to come here after being a legend at Chelsea is not easy. I don't think many of them will do it at his age (33). He is still hungry and wants to prove himself and it's a really good decision for us."
Everton, led by manager Roberto Martinez, strode through the gates just after 6pm.
Fans of the Toffees will be delighted to see new signings Tom Cleverley and in particular, Gerard Deulofeu, make the trip to the Far East.
"I think when he arrived at Everton (in 2013) and started playing his football at Goodison Park, it's something that marked him forever," said Martinez of the latter, a former Barcelona attacking midfielder.
"You can see that he has an extra affection to our club, fans have an extra affection for that. He's an incredible talent for a young player, so exciting to watch."
The Blues finished 11th in the EPL last season but started their pre-season with a 4-0 win over Swindon Town at The County Ground on Saturday.
Midfielder Muhamed Besic·, who suffered a strain to his right hamstring in that game, did not make the 24-man travelling party and was replaced by Ryan Ledson.
Arsenal will play a Singapore Select XI while Everton will take on Stoke City, who arrived last Thursday, at the National Stadium on July 15.
