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Tottenham Hotspur kick off their Asian pre-season tour with the first-ever overseas North London Derby against Arsenal on Saturday at the brand-new Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong.

It feels a bit odd to put “North London Derby” and “Friendly” in the same sentence, so we’ll try to avoid that wherever possible.

When this fixture was first announced, reactions were mixed. One set of fans felt that derbies like this -arguably one of football’s fiercest rivalries- should be sacred to N17 or the Emirates to preserve the authenticity. Others welcomed the idea, arguing that an extra clash, even in pre-season, only benefits everyone involved: fans across the globe, clubs financially, and players who’ll get to test themselves in derby conditions without the pressure of points.

Arsenal are the designated home team for this one, and they come into the clash with confidence. The Gunners saw off AC Milan 1-0 before edging Newcastle 3-2, both in Singapore. Their 2024/25 campaign saw them finish second in the Premier League for the 3rd time in a row and reach the Champions League semi-finals, but it all ended trophyless. That’s a record they’ll be desperate to change.

Meanwhile, Spurs’ return to Europe came in style. After a dismal domestic league finish that left them just above the relegation zone, they still managed to win a long-awaited European trophy and secure Champions League football in the upcoming season.

Thomas Frank’s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur began against 3 League One oppositions. First, a 2-0 win over Reading, followed by back-to-back draws against Wycombe (2-2) and Luton Town (0-0) on the same day.

Now, it gets serious. Spurs face Premier League sides, German giants Bayern Munich, and then the long-anticipated UEFA Super Cup final against PSG.

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What time does Arsenal vs Tottenham kick off?

Location: Hong Kong

Stadium: Kai Tak Sports Park, Kowloon City

Date: Thursday, 31st July 2025

Kick-off Time: 12:30 pm BST

Where to watch the friendly between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur

Both clubs will stream the match on their official platforms; Arsenal.com and SPURSPLAY, for fans with active subscriptions. Do note, availability may vary depending on your region.

For fans in the US, the match will be available on Paramount+, while supporters in India can stream the game via FanCode.

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur: Head-to-head record

While this game won’t count towards the official head-to-head tally, it’s still a derby, and fans will want to walk away with bragging rights.

Spurs haven’t tasted derby victory since May 2022, going winless in the last four clashes under Ange Postecoglou. Arsenal claimed three wins and a draw in that period, dominating the recent chapters of this rivalry.

For Thomas Frank, this fixture might be a friendly, but a win here would go a long way with the fanbase and set the tone ahead of a massive season.

Tottenham team news

Thomas Frank confirmed that Destiny Udogie, Manor Solomon, and Kota Takai haven’t travelled due to injury, while Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, and Bryan Gil remain at Hotspur Way for rehabilitation.

Mikey Moore, Alfie Devine, and Dane Scarlett have also stayed behind to explore loan opportunities.

On a positive note, Frank shared updates on Rodrigo Bentancur and Dominic Solanke, both of whom missed last weekend’s double-header. Solanke is “progressing well”, though remains a doubt, while Bentancur is ready to return.

No fresh signings have arrived since Mohammed Kudus, after the late collapse of the Morgan Gibbs-White deal.

There have been links to exciting talents and a few big names, but nothing concrete yet has developed.

Arsenal team news

Gabriel Jesus, who has been linked with an unexpected move to Spurs, remains out. Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli and Jurrien Timber are both recovering from hamstring and ankle problems, respectively.

Riccardo Calafiori is also expected to miss out due to a muscle injury.

However, fans can expect to see new marquee signing Viktor Gyokeres in action, who is likely to make his Arsenal debut in this very derby.

Predicted Tottenham line-up

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Gray, Bergvall; Kudus, Tel, Son.

Predicting starting XIs for friendlies hardly ever go right, but most of the players listed above should feature at some point. Due to the lack of left-back options, there’s a fair bit of chance Frank won’t repeat the experiment of playing Jamie Donley there like he did against Luton – even for 45 minutes.

Our prediction

This one might not count in the table, but it counts. The atmosphere, the pressure, the fans, everything about the North London Derby still matters, whether it’s July or November.

Mohammed Kudus could light it up for Spurs, while Arsenal fans will have their eyes glued on Viktor Gyokeres as he makes his first appearance in red.

Derbies are rarely predictable, but this one feels like it could tilt Tottenham’s way. Arsenal may have the recent bragging rights, but with Frank keen to make a statement, we’re backing Spurs to edge this.

A centre-back, who Tottenham Hotspur have been credited with a serious interest in over the last few weeks, could line up against Spurs in the UEFA Super Cup clash in two weeks.

Reports first emerged a couple of weeks ago that Tottenham are ready to make a big offer for Illia Zabarnyi, and since then, a number of other sources have talked up the Lilywhites’ interest in the Bournemouth man.

This includes an update by Duncas Castles, who asserted that Spurs have already made a bid of €70m (£60.6m) for Zabarnyi, who is also being targeted by Paris Saint-Germain.

Football Insider even reported last week that Tottenham are the front-runners to land Zabarnyi, with Andoni Iraola’s men unlikely to turn down offers of over £60m for the young centre-back.

However, despite these reports, many sources have maintained over the last few weeks that Zabarnyi would prefer to join PSG over Spurs this summer if the Parisians can reach an agreement with Bournemouth.

The centre-back may now get his wish as the Ligue 1 giants are attempting to do just that as they aim to send a bid to the South Coast club.

This update comes from Fabrizio Romano, who says that the Ukrainian had agreed on personal terms with PSG last month.

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However, he adds that despite rumours suggesting otherwise, Tottenham Hotspur have not held any concrete talks over the Cherries star this summer.

Romano tweeted: ‘Ilya Zabarny wants PSG and Paris Saint-Germain are set to improve their bid! The verbal agreement has been reached with Zabarnyi in June and PSG are set to approach Bournemouth again. No active talks with Tottenham so far despite reports.’

Why Tottenham may have changed their mind on Zabarnyi

A possible reason Tottenham’s interest in the Bournemouth man may have cooled could be that Cristian Romero now looks likely to remain at Spurs.

In fact, some outlets have even claimed that Romero is the favourite to be made the captain by Thomas Frank, particularly as Heung-min Son edges closer to the exit door.

Tottenham take on fierce rivals Arsenal in a highly anticipated pre-season showdown overseas, and we have highlighted five key players to keep an eye on as Thomas Frank continues shaping his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur are slowly coming to the end of their pre-season preparations, with the Premier League season now just a couple of weeks away from kick-off.

Next up for Tottenham in their preparations for the upcoming season is a clash against fierce rivals Arsenal in Hong Kong, China – a match that marks the first ever north London derby to be staged outside of England.

New manager Thomas Frank will be hoping to lay down an early marker with a win over one of Spurs’ biggest rivals on Thursday, even if the encounter is only a pre-season friendly.

For Tottenham fans, there will certainly be a few things worth keeping an eye on during the game, and we have highlighted five players to watch.

James Maddison fitness watch for Tottenham vs Arsenal

James Maddison has been out for several months, having picked up an injury at the back end of last season – one that ruled him out of both the Europa League semi-final and final.

Maddison has been working his way back to full fitness and even returned to the training pitch last week ahead of Tottenham’s pre-season trip to Asia.

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Interestingly, Maddison was among the players to make the journey to the Far East, which suggests a return for the 28-year-old is close. It could very well come against Arsenal on Thursday – perhaps in the form of a short cameo off the bench.

Spurs will be waiting on Dominic Solanke’s return

Tottenham fans are no strangers to injury issues, and just last week, Thomas Frank had to navigate what can only be described as a minor crisis within his squad.

Dominic Solanke was one of three Spurs players absent from the recent double-header of friendlies, with Destiny Udogie and Rodrigo Bentancur also sidelined.

The England international did make the trip to Asia, but it remains unclear whether he will recover in time for the clash against Arsenal.

Tottenham have turned to Mathys Tel and Richarlison to lead the line in Solanke’s absence – a situation that could persist if he is not fit to start.

Jamie Donley could feature at left-back again for Spurs

Tottenham’s left-back position is fast becoming a real problem area in Frank’s squad, and we have spoken previously about the urgency to address it before the season begins.

At present, Ben Davies is the only recognised senior left-back available, following Destiny Udogie’s knee injury, which ruled him out of the match against Luton Town.

Djed Spence could be an option on the left, although Frank has typically deployed him on the right so far.

Jamie Donley did get minutes at left-back during the Luton Town match, and with the 20-year-old among five academy prospects on the Asia tour, he could continue in that role during pre-season.

Mohammed Kudus set for first north London derby in Spurs shirt

Tottenham’s new signing, Mohammed Kudus, has been one of the standouts in pre-season so far.

The former West Ham United midfielder made a strong impression during a lively cameo against Reading, where he provided an assist and was involved in the build-up to Will Lankshear’s goal from a corner.

Kudus is now poised to feature in his first north London derby on Thursday – albeit in a pre-season setting. He will be no stranger to the rivalry, having played in several heated encounters while at West Ham.

Could this be Heung-min Son’s final north London derby?

Heung-min Son was always going to be included in Tottenham’s pre-season tour of Asia.

The 33-year-old remains an iconic figure in the region, and given Tottenham’s commercial agreements with investors, it is all but certain Son will feature heavily in matches against Arsenal and Newcastle United.

Dominic Ball has lifted the lid on Jamie Donley’s mentality and rise at Leyton Orient, after the young Tottenham midfielder’s tough start out on loan.

Sometime last season, Jamie Donley opened up on his goal for this summer, stating that he wants to fight for a spot in the Tottenham Hotspur first team.

The midfielder, capable of playing in a host of positions, including as a right winger, a central midfielder, a centre-forward and an attacking midfielder, impressed during his time out on loan at Leyton Orient.

It was his first loan spell ever in his career, and Donley was outstanding for the O’s, winning Leyton Orient’s Player of the Season, after scoring eight goals while also grabbing 11 assists.

Dominic Ball speaks on Jamie Donley’s mentality during Leyton Orient spell

Speaking to talkSport, Dominic Ball, who came through the Tottenham youth setup, playing with the likes of Harry Kane, has now opened up on what it was like playing with Jamie Donley on loan at Leyton Orient.

The former Tottenham man opened up on how Donley recovered from a tough few months during his loan spell at Leyton Orient.

He said: “That was his first loan, his first length of games, and there was a period at the start of the season where he was not playing and things were not going well, and he had a choice to make.

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“Go back to Spurs and just accept a failed loan, or sort of dig deep and make it happen. I remember just saying to him, like Jay, even for yourself, keep training hard for yourself, because it will change.

“There are so many things happening in football out of your control, but you train hard for yourself. I remember saying to him in the first game that me and him played together, I was like, we are entertainers, let us relax, let us enjoy this.

“And he always said that he kept that with him, and he ended up being our most influential player. I do not know what his level is going to be – whether that is Prem, Champ, or even higher. But I am looking forward to seeing him sort of progress because he is a talent!”

Donley’s pre-season form and Tottenham’s next steps

Of course, Jamie Donley is a talent, and many Tottenham fans would be hoping the midfielder reaches his full potential, just like Harry Kane, who had loan spells away from Tottenham before securing a spot in the first team squad.

So far in pre-season, Donley has been handed game time, often featuring in the number 10 role behind the striker, but he is yet to score a goal.

Tottenham Hotspur take on Arsenal in their fourth pre-season friendly under Thomas Frank and the first-ever overseas North London Derby, and it is clear to see which team is currently in a stronger position.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters are not best pleased at this moment in time. Two uninspiring draws against League One opponents have certainly been a contributing factor, but the club’s transfer business is the primary cause of frustration.

Spurs failed to sign Morgan Gibbs-White and on top of this, Tottenham fans are not happy that Antonin Kinsky may be sent out on loan. With the UEFA Super Cup little more than a fortnight away, it is essential that Spurs turn rumours into results and strengthen their squad.

In the meantime, Tottenham will continue to prepare for the new season with a North London derby in Asia. Looking at the two teams’ transactions so far this summer, it is clear to see which has the advantage heading into Thursday’s game.

Tottenham have moved slowly in the transfer market

Tottenham’s failure to secure players linked with the club means they have only signed two new players. Of these, only Mohammed Kudus is likely to compete for a first-team spot. The loan moves of Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso were made permanent, but neither of these players were first choice last season, except when there were injuries.

There is still time to do business and Tottenham have begun talks to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid. This is the biggest rumour to be doing the rounds at the moment, but it is a slightly strange one. The Brazilian is definitely first-team quality, but he played predominantly as a right winger last season, a position where Spurs already have depth.

The most likely scenario would be that Rodrygo would play up front, and he is not the only player Tottenham could sign. However, whoever Spurs could bring to North London is theoretical and unconfirmed. It looked like Gibbs-White was on his way to Hotspur Way, but nothing came of the transfer talks.

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As things stand, it has been a disappointing window for Tottenham, just when many of the more sceptical supporters were beginning to believe the club was getting serious.

Arsenal have been far busier than Spurs

Offering praise to Arsenal is undesirable, but it has to be said that they are doing a great job in the transfer market. The club have shown ambition and are not afraid to spend big, while adding players across a number of positions.

Christian Norgaard is a particularly good signing. The former Brentford midfielder is strong in defence, but he also gets forward and gets goal contributions. He may be 31 years old, but he will definitely deliver on the £15m fee Arsenal paid for him.

The Gunners have signed players both young and old. Kepa is a goalkeeper who brings plenty of experience, while defender Cristhian Mosquera and former Spurs academy player Noni Madueke can be developed into top players.

There are also the marquee signings of goal machine Viktor Gyokeres and midfield maestro Martín Zubimendi. This level of activity compared with Tottenham’s is staggering.

Arsenal were already in a better position than Tottenham

Spurs clinched the Europa League last season, while Arsenal have not won a major trophy since their 2020 FA Cup win. However, when looking at the quality of the respective squads, Arsenal’s was already far superior before this summer. When one team finishes second in the Premier League and the other 17th, it is hard to argue otherwise.

Despite this, it is they who are pushing on and adding quality first-team players. It is clear the club have a clear strategic goal, which is likely to win the English top flight.

Tottenham, on the other hand, do not look close to being prepared for the new season. Thomas Frank cannot be expected to perform miracles, and so he must be backed before the window ends. Otherwise, expect another disappointing league campaign and certainly no guarantee of silverware.

A new report has revealed what Manchester United are planning to do with Kobbie Mainoo this summer after Tottenham Hotspur expressed an interest in the midfielder.

We know that Tottenham are looking to add another central midfielder to their squad, and many different players have been mooted as targets for the Lilywhites over the last few weeks.

It emerged last week that Kobbie Mainoo is on Tottenham’s radar as Man United continue to struggle to reach an agreement with the midfielder over a new contract.

Some sources have claimed that Spurs have a realistic chance of landing Mainoo this summer, and it has emerged over recent days that Tottenham have made contact over a deal for the Man United man.

Manchester United do not want to sell Kobbie Mainoo to Tottenham

GiveMeSport claim that the plan at the Manchester club is to retain Mainoo for the upcoming season.

The outlet confirms that Tottenham Hotspur have indeed made ‘informal enquiries’ about the 20-year-old’s availability, but they have been informed by the Red Devils that they are not looking to sell the youngster.

Instead, the Manchester club want to give their academy graduate a chance to become an important part of Rubem Amorim’s plans after falling down the pecking order towards the end of last season.

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Spurs are hoping that Man United change their stance and listen to offers for the midfielder, but that has not happened so far.

Man United hoping to tie down Mainoo to a new contract

Additionally, the outlet adds that Mainoo has held positive talks with Amorim and is desperate to prove his worth to the Portuguese coach.

The midfielder is keen to be on the plane to the 2026 World Cup and hence wants to become a regular in United’s starting eleven, and he is using pre-season to show Amorim and his coaching staff that he can be a valuable player.

The report adds that influential figures at Old Trafford are determined to convince the youngster to sign an improved contract.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed what Tottenham Hotspur have already started doing after being snubbed by Morgan Gibbs-White over the weekend.

Spurs do not have time to feel sorry for themselves after Gibbs-White had a change of heart and decided to sign a new deal at Nottingham Forest, with the Lilywhites still having plenty of work to do in the transfer window.

It has emerged over recent days that Tottenham have started working on signing a defensive midfielder, with Thomas Frank being keen to add a top-class number six to his squad.

We have also heard that Spurs are looking to add a marquee wide-forward to their squad this summer, amidst the uncertainty over Heung-min Son’s future.

Tottenham have begun working on Morgan Gibbs-White alternative, says Fabrizio Romano

Romano has now confirmed that Spurs have also started working on signing an alternative number ten after Gibbs-White decided to stay put at the City Ground.

When asked if Tottenham will target another creative midfielder, the journalist told GiveMeSport: “They’re working on it [alternative targets for Gibbs-White]. As soon as I know, I will tell you.”

It has been reported over recent days that Harvey Elliott, James McAtee and Xavi Simons are among the options on Spurs’ radar, but the Lilywhites are expected to miss out on the Dutchman, who is on the verge of joining Chelsea.

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Could Tottenham turn to a discount £30m option?

Some sources have also suggested that West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta could emerge as a target for Tottenham after the Brazilian was cleared of the spot-fixing allegations against him.

According to The Daily Mail, West Ham are ready to sell Paqueta for just £30m this summer, despite nearly selling him to Man City for £80m two years ago.

Tottenham Hotspur are ready to offer Rodrygo a bumper contract, and the Premier League club have already spoken to the Real Madrid star to find out if he is willing to move to North London.

Over the past few days, a number of reports from Spain have claimed that Tottenham are advancing their interest in Rodrygo, who is also wanted by the likes of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Some journalists have claimed that Spurs have already started talks with Real Madrid over a deal for Rodrygo, but the player is yet to make up his mind on his future.

Some sources claim that Real Madrid want €90m (£76m) for Rodrygo, which would make him comfortably the most expensive signing in the Lilywhites’ history.

Rodrygo is open to joining Tottenham Hotspur

A new report in TBR Football has now revealed that the Brazilian has signalled a willingness to join Thomas Frank’s side this summer.

The winger’s entourage are said to be assessing their options, with the player having already spoken to both Arsenal and Liverpool earlier in the transfer window.

Spurs have now begun conversations through intermediaries, and they are ready to make Rodrygo their highest-paid player to bring him to N17.

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Tottenham reached out as they were ‘keen to understand’ the winger’s situation, and they have received information that the Madrid man is ready to make the move to the club.

Spurs move for Rodrygo would depend on one factor

TBR Football say that Spurs will consider substantiating their interest in Rodygo if they lose their captain, Heung-min Son, this summer.

The outlet confirms that the South Korean is seriously considering a summer switch to Los Angeles FC, and should he join the MLS side, Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to make a ‘statement signing’ to replace him.

However, interestingly, the publication adds that Rodrygo is just one of many options on Spurs’ radar as a potential Son replacement.

Tottenham fans have spoken, and it is clear who they want brought in to fill the void at left-back this summer.

For a club that finished a spot above the relegation zone last season, Tottenham Hotspur have been awfully quiet in the transfer market when compared to the other big six clubs.

This is not to say that Tottenham have not made any signings. In fact, Mohammed Kudus, Kota Takai, Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso all count as new additions for Spurs.

Yet, there are still areas of the Spurs squad that need strengthening and have not been addressed, with the Premier League season set to begin in less than a month.

Tottenham fans name Antonee Robinson as preferred summer signing

One of the positions that requires reinforcements is the full-back role, and the lack of depth in that department has been exposed recently following an injury to Destiny Udogie.

Udogie is currently sidelined and was not part of the Tottenham squad that travelled for the pre-season tour of Asia, leaving veteran Ben Davies as the club’s only available left-back, although Frank could still turn to makeshift options.

We took to social media to ask Tottenham fans which left-back they would like to see the club sign this summer, and as expected, a wide range of suggestions came flooding in.

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One fan commented: “The LB situation is a joke, it is seriously jeopardising Udogie’s career, but our only real options are KWP and Cirkin due to registration.” Another suggested: “What about Tyrick Mitchell?”

Another added: “Antonee Robinson. He is homegrown.” A third said: “Piero Hincapie,” while a fourth urged: “Woulda been Pervis… let us… just splash on Antonee!”

Several fans also pointed to homegrown registration issues, with one saying: “Cirkin for the UCL registration problems.”

Another supporter suggested a creative solution: “I would have liked De Cuyper at the start of the window, but I think we should permanently put Spence on the left and bring in Savona for right-back cover.” Still, many others simply called outright for: “Antonee Robinson.”

Tottenham have been linked with a few left-backs in recent weeks, including Antonee Robinson and Denis Cirkin.

Cirkin is an interesting prospect for Tottenham, as the full-back would count as a club-trained player for Tottenham should he be signed, but no bid has been placed by Spurs.

It is also understood that Tottenham admire Robinson, but Fulham have slapped a steep £45m price tag on the American full-back, as they look to fend off interest from Spurs.

Dominic Ball has now lifted the lid on just how good Harry Kane was during his early days at Tottenham back in the youth setup.

Harry Kane is widely regarded as a legend at Tottenham Hotspur, and it is hard to argue against that, given the England international’s goal-scoring exploits at N17.

Kane is Tottenham’s all-time top scorer, having netted 280 goals in 435 appearances for the north London club.

In fact, towards the tail end of his time at Tottenham, the England international only continued to improve, refining aspects of his game, especially his passing, which saw him rack up more assists and become a better all-round striker.

Dominic Ball reveals how Harry Kane stood out at Tottenham even as a teenager

Indeed, before reaching such heights, Kane did have to work his way up the ranks at Tottenham, as he spent much of his early years on loan at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich and Leicester before eventually finding his feet in the Spurs first team.

Dominic Ball, who played alongside Kane at Tottenham Under-21 level, has now revealed the sort of potential the England captain had during the early stages of his career.

“Yes, it was [obvious what level he was going to get to],” Ball told TalkSport’s Joe Brophy. “I only trained with him for like one pre-season, and it was not until I trained with him that I realised, ‘all right, this guy is going to be very difficult to play against.’

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“If I open my legs to try and block, he would put it through my legs. If I was not big enough, he would rip it into the top corner.

“His finishing has taken him to a level, and then everything else he has built up mainly because he is just so focused, his mindset has always been ‘I want to be the best’ and he is – he has been one of the best strikers in the world for a while.”

Tottenham fans still hold Harry Kane in high regard

Many Tottenham fans must have felt hurt when Kane departed N17 for Bayern Munich, and many would not hesitate to welcome the centre-forward back to north London.

Of course, whether or not that happens sometime in the future remains to be seen. Kane is currently happy in Germany with Bayern Munich and even got his hands on the first piece of silverware in his career.