Spurs take on Arsenal in pre-season action on Thursday afternoon at the Kai Tak Stadium.
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Tottenham Hotspur continue their pre-season preparations with a perhaps not-so-friendly meeting with north London rivals Arsenal in Hong Kong on Thursday afternoon.
Even though not officially a competitive match, it marks Thomas Frank’s first north London derby in charge of Spurs having arrived at the club from Brentford to replace Ange Postecoglou this summer. The main focus is on getting vital minutes under the belt of first team stars but, given the historic rivalry, it’s a friendly meeting that will come with an extra bite.
Spurs are unbeaten in pre-season outings so far this summer. Frank’s side beat League One outfit Reading 2-0 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and followed up with a 2-2 draw against Wycombe Wanderers and a 0-0 run-out against Luton Town.
Thomas Frank praises Arsenal ahead of friendly
The meeting with Arsenal presents the first pre-season fixture against a Premier League side. The Gunners have been busy in the summer transfer window so far with several marquee signings arriving at the Emirates Stadium.
Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga were all snapped up early doors. Sporting CP bagsman Viktor Gyokeres is the latest head-turning acquisition and could see his first minutes in an Arsenal shirt against Spurs.
Speaking about Arsenal ahead of the friendly, Frank heaped praise on his rivals in quotes that Spurs supporters may not love. Franksaid: "It's a great challenge besides being our biggest rivals and the first north London derby outside the UK. They are also right now one of the best teams, I must say unfortunately, in the world, we also need to be honest.
"In that way it's going to be a big test, but it's more than a test as against Arsenal it's not only a friendly. Of course it's a game we will do everything we can to win."
Tottenham Hotspur transfer update
Tottenham Hotspur continue to work on transfer deals but have lacked the productivity of Arsenal. Mohammed Kudus is the only new marquee signing so far, arriving from West Ham for £55 million, with loan moves for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso made permanent.
Speaking about transfers, Frank said: "We of course are out there in the market and we're aware where we maybe want to strengthen the squad in general. I'm happy with the squad and we've already done a top signing in Mohammed Kudus that is coming in and showing us his quality already. We've got a squad where there is a lot of talent in and quality but of course we're looking."
In other news, Tottenham 'preparing offer' for midfielder amid interest in Man Utd star.