There’s something about Arsenal away kits that always carries a bit of drama. Maybe it’s the history, or maybe it’s just the sheer nostalgia they stir up. This year’s away kit revealed by adidas and Arsenal ahead of the 2025/26 season, taps right into that feeling.
Unveiled during the club’s pre-season tour stop at Nova in Singapore, the launch of the away kit was more than just a typical jersey drop. The guests were invited to get their names heat pressed on the jersey, adding a personal touch to the already eye-catching design. There was also live sketches by Singaporean artist Tobyato, whose bold and playful lines brought an extra layer of energy to the space.
The new jersey takes clear inspiration from the past while still adding a modern flair. The standout lighting motif plays homage to the Royal Arsenal Gatehouse, while the navy base is dressed up with metallic detailing and red trims across the sleeves adds a fresh breath to the jersey.
The on-pitch version is built with adidas’ latest breathable fabric tech to keep players cool under pressure, while the fan version–slightly more forgiving on the wallet–uses moisture wicking material that should come in handy whether you’re in the stands or stuck in Singapore humidity.
The real thing hits the pitch on 23 July when Arsenal take on AC Milan at Singapore’s National Stadium. For many fans, it’ll be the first time seeing the new signing and the new shirt in action; from the sound of the crowd at the preview event, expectations are already high.
ESQUIRE SINGAPORE: How important is it for a kit to reflect the identity of the club and its fan, even wehn you're wearing it halfway across the world?
MIKEL MERINO: I think this kit is amazing. Not only for us to feel good on the pitch and to feel comfortable, but as well for the fans to feel proud of what they're wearing. It's an amazing colour, [but] it's also really comfortable. That's what you want when you're playing. You don't want to be thinking about anything else. And for us as well to see the stands full of these kits will be amazing.
ESQ: You've had an incredible journey so far, what's been the most defining moment of your career to date?
MM: I have a couple of those moments. But, the main moment for me in my career is the Euros. Winning the Euros is a dream come true; especially when you're a kid, you dream about playing for the national team and you see big players from the national team winning the World Cup and winning two Euros. I would say another highlight is scoring against Germany in the quarterfinals and winning Copa del Rey with my old club was unbelievable. Hopefully we can build some more moments in the future with this amazing club now.
ESQ: Off the pitch, what's your biggest fear?
MM: I would say, not spending time with my family, i'm a guy that is really close to his family. I spend a lot of time with them [so i just] try to be as close to them as possible. I don't forget about them because time flies, and you don't want to be regretting anything anytime soon.
ESQ: What's one thing about you that fans might be surprised to learn about you?
MM: I'm a pretty normal guy and a pretty quiet guy. I speak different languages, I like history, I like reading and I like a lot of movies. I like playing sports, and I'm pretty good at basketball. My father used to play football and my mother used to play basketball as well, both [were] professionals but I think most of my fans know that part of my life.
ESQ: Outside of football, where's your go-to destination to relax or recharge?
MM: If I had to choose only one, I would say home. Because I have my family there, my people there. I'm in love with my city and my wife is from the same city as well. So, we are really close to our origins. But, lately we've been going to Sardinia and Italy, [and] we also love the culture, the food, and the people.
This interview was edited for length and clarity. The Away kit is available at selected adidas retail stores and online.
