Arsenal back among the European elite… but only after naming Bayern Munich, Roma and Real Madrid as pre-season tour opponents

ARSENAL have announced they will face some of the best European clubs in their pre-season tour across America this summer. The Gunners will lock horns with AS Roma, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, taking part in the International Champions Cup in July. Arsenal legend Robert Pires took part in the official launch of the ICC […]

ARSENAL have announced they will face some of the best European clubs in their pre-season tour across America this summer.

The Gunners will lock horns with AS Roma, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, taking part in the International Champions Cup in July.

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Arsenal legend Robert Pires took part in the official launch of the ICC 2019 in New York on Wednesday.

The Gunners will kick off their preparations ahead of the new season taking on Bayern Munich in Los Angeles on July 17.

Unai Emery’s men will then travel to North Carolina to face Roma at the 75,000 capacity Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on July 20.

And three days later, Arsenal will play Real Madrid at the FedExField in Washington DC.

Gunners managing director Vinai Venkatesham was delighted that the North London side would take part in the friendly tournament alongside Europe’s best clubs.

He said: “Everyone here at Arsenal is looking forward to taking part in the International Champions Cup again this summer.

“Our ICC matches in the United States in July will provide the team with a high level of preparation going into the 2019/20 season, and also give us the opportunity to play live in front of our many supporters across this great country.

“We are playing against three of Europe’s strongest and most high-profile club sides in magnificent stadiums, which will provide some very exciting matches ahead of our new season.”

Arsenal are heading back to London following their warm-weather training camp in Dubai as they are bracing for a hectic top four battle in the last months of the season.

Ahead of Monday’s Premier League clash with Newcastle the Gunners sit in fourth, a point ahead of Manchester United.

Emery‘s side also hope to claim the Europa League trophy, with the first leg of the quarter-finals against Napoli being held on April 11.

But the North London side appear to be confident of securing their Champions League qualification.

Arsenal are already planning a summer spending spree, assuming their budget will be significantly increased upon achieving their primary goal for the season.