Arsenal defeated AC Milan in Singapore earlier on Wednesday thanks to a solitary strike from Bukayo Saka.<\/p>\n
The Gunners lifted the Tridentity Cup after the 1-0 win over AC Milan, where Arsenal<\/a> fans were treated to a first glimpse of Martin Zubimendi<\/a> in action, as well as Christian Norgaard.<\/p>\n There was also a sighting of Rafael Leao<\/a> for the Italian giants, and the Portugal international put on a real show for supporters with plenty of flicks and tricks.<\/p>\n During one break in play, the Portugal international was filmed walking over to speak to Declan Rice<\/a> and other Arsenal players, a moment which got fans talking amid transfer links to the AC Milan star.<\/p>\n Rafael Leao and Declan Rice are close friends<\/p>\n Foot Mercato claimed that Arsenal held talks with Leao<\/a> earlier this summer as Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta attempt to sign a new wide attacker.<\/p>\n Therefore, when the AC Milan No.10 approached Arsenal players for a chat in Singapore \u2013 as you can see below \u2013 it understandably got fans talking.<\/p>\n However, we believe it was just a little exchange between friends, as the 26-year-old and the Arsenal No.41 are known to be close.<\/p>\n Back in July 2023, Rice was spotted training with Leao<\/a> in Portugal during pre-season, as the pair got their fitness up to speed alongside Bruno Fernandes and Joao Cancelo.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n There is more.<\/p>\n Rice and Leao have also chatted on Instagram<\/a> before, with the Portuguese attacker supportive of the England international, sending him encouraging emojis in the comments of his posts.<\/p>\n Arsenal have already signed a friend of Declan Rice this summer<\/p>\n Togetherness within a squad is arguably one of the most important components of a successful football team, and Arteta is building several connections within his side.<\/p>\n Mikel Merino and Zubimendi are already close<\/a>, having played for Real Sociedad and Spain together over the years.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Kepa Arrizabalaga and Kai Havertz are pals<\/a> too after their stint at Chelsea together.<\/p>\n