Arsenal have confirmed that the men’s first team will face Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon in pre-season friendlies at Emirates Stadium.
The two matches will be played when Mikel Arteta’s side returns from their tour of the USA with Leverkusen visiting N5 on Wednesday 7 August and Lyon taking part in a one-game Emirates Cup four days later.
Both games could feature reunions with former players. After helping Bayer Leverkusen to a remarkable unbeaten Bundesliga and German Cup double, Granit Xhaka will have the chance to renew acquaintances with his former teammates.
The following Sunday, Alex Lacazette, who has just rejected a move to Saudi Arabia, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles could also be part of Lyon’s squad. The former’s involvement will depend on how far France progresses in the Olympic football tournament as he’s been selected by Thierry Henry as one of the three over-aged players.
Looking ahead to the fixtures new Managing Director Rich Garlick said: “The Emirates Cup is always a fantastic event, and we’re excited to host Olympique Lyonnais to kick off a new season at Emirates Stadium.”
“Both fixtures, against top opposition, will provide a strong test for us. We’ll be coming off the back of our pre-season tour to the US, and we look forward to being back at home together with our incredible supporters.”
As things stand, Arsenal have two other friendlies in the diary, both in the USA. We face Manchester United at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles on 28 July and Liverpool at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia on 1 August. While it’s yet to be confirmed, it sounds like those friendlies will be preceded by a match against Bournemouth, also in Los Angeles.
Don’t play Saka and Rice, they need a rest!
You mean, like, at all in any of those friendlies?
A few minutes if they would benefit from it, but ideally I’d prefer them fresh for the new season to play in matches that matter.
Laca will play in the Olympics. I do not think, he will play in the friendlies.
Nice one, we’ve updated to reflect this.
If France don’t make it to the final of the Olympics, as a backup option he can play for Olympique.
Hopefully Xhaka has enough sense of humor to get himself sent off
I like that we are playing teams we wouldn’t usually play rather than Man Utd
I mean, we are playing Manchester United…
I think Sam was joking
And Liverpool… And Bournemouth
I really like the Mikel Merino link. I think this one is real because he looks like an Arteta player, he would be affordable and he’s a ready made CL level talent in his prime. From the scouting I’ve done it looks like this player would be Arsenal’s Rice alternate, primarily as squad depth but with a good chance to play regularly. Merino most often plays on the left of a midfield 3 for Sociedad. He looks like an all action type who can do a little of everything. First of all, BIG body, elite in the air, and outstanding… Read more »
Not seen many links about this, in fact most of the Merino reporting has been a bit… woolly.
Oh fuck off I’m trying my best.
Don’t worry, the press will warm up to him in no time
You’re a dyed in the wool rumor denier.
Could be a good choice though 28 is older than I’d prefer. In the 22-25 age range would be better.
Thanks, Doc. You say Merino is elite in the air. You mean, he’s a jumper?
Haha I liked this one Mayor
When well spun, yes
Who’s his agent? I’d hate to see us get fleeced again.
For a start we’d have to put up with everyone here bleating about it.
If it’s the dude with the Korean Car Manufacturer’s name, stay the fuck away!