Arsenal will face an MLS All-Stars side managed by Wayne Rooney this summer as part of their preparations for the 2023/24 season.
The Gunners will once again return to the USA for a pre-season tour, as they did last summer when flying out to face Everton, Orlando City and Chelsea in three friendly matches.
The full pre-season schedule has not yet been confirmed, but it has been announced that Arsenal will take on an All-Stars team in Washington D.C on July 19.
The coach of the club in the host city traditionally takes charge of the All-Stars side, so it will be DC United boss Rooney in the dugout coming up against Mikel Arteta at Audi Field.
“It’s great that we’re playing against the MLS All-Stars in Washington D.C. in July,” Arteta said.
“Our US tour last summer was very good preparation for the season, and we’re looking forward to once again visiting our amazing supporters in the US. The match against the MLS All-Stars will be a good test ahead of the 2023/24 season.”
The fixture has been played between the MLS side and a Liga MX outfit in the last couple of seasons, but it will now be European opposition taking part as had previously been the case, , rather than the Mexican team.
Arsenal were involved in the 2016 match, winning 2-1 as Joel Campbell and Chuba Akpom scored either side of a Didier Drogba goal. Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham are among the other Premier League sides to have taken part.
“I’ve had a front row seat to watch the growth and development of Major League Soccer, first as a player and now as a manager,” Rooney said.
”The opportunity to lead the best our league has to offer against a top Premier League club like Arsenal will be a highlight for me personally and an unforgettable experience for our passionate fanbase here in DC.
“It’s a huge step forward for the league to provide that access to the All-Star Team and Arsenal.”
