Zinedine Zidane leaves Gareth Bale out again as Real Madrid take on Arsenal in pre-season friendly

Gareth Bale has again been left out of the Real Madrid side set to take on Arsenal in their latest pre-season friendly.

Bale was left out of Madrid’s 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the International Champions Cup on Saturday night with head coach Zinedine Zidane later explaining it was the player’s decision as he had been in talks to join another club.

The winger had looked set to agree a move to China on Monday, but trained normally ahead of tonight’s game against the Gunners.

However, there was no starting role for Bale with Zidane preferring new signings Luka Jovic and Eden Hazard in attack along with Karim Benzema.

Bale’s agent has also insisted there is no imminent exit.

“There will be no makeshift deals to get him out of the club," Jonathan Barnett told Sky Sports News.

“Gareth is one of the best players on the planet. I can guarantee you he will not be going on loan to any club.”

Real’s pre-season campaign began with that defeat to Bayern at the weekend with Arsenal picking up three wins from three so far.