Arsenal Return to Action as Pre-Season 2023 Plans Unveiled
Arsenal are back in pre-season training as the club look to put the disappointment of last year’s failed Premier League title bid behind them and lift their first league title since their invincible season of 2003/04. The upcoming season will also see Arsenal compete in the Champions League for the first time since 2016/16 following a number of years away from the top table of European football. Here is everything you need to know about Arsenal’s 2023 pre-season plans.
Arsenal’s Pre-Season Fixtures
Arsenal started their pre-season 2023 with a 1-1 behind-closed-doors friendly against Watford at their London Colney training base on July 8. Mikel Arteta’s men have now headed to Germany for a small training camp which will feature a friendly against 2. Bundesliga outfit Nurnberg on July 13.
The team will then head stateside for their tour of the USA, which kicks-off with a game against the MLS All-Stars on July 19 in Washington. The trip will also include fixtures against Manchester United on July 22 and Barcelona on July 27 in New York and Los Angeles respectively. The team will conclude their pre-season schedule at home against Monaco in the Emirates Cup on August 2.
Arsenal have qualified for the season curtain-raiser at Wembley having finished second in the Premier League last year. They club begin their Premier League campaign at home to Nottingham Forest on August 12.
Arsenal Squad for Germany Camp
The Arsenal travelling party features new signing Kai Havertz, who completed his £65m move from Chelsea last month. Folarin Balogun will also be given an opportunity to impress Arteta with the 22 year-old having scored 21 goals in 37 league games during his loan spell in Ligue 1 with Reims last season. The American’s future at the Emirates is unclear, however, with a number of European clubs including AC Milan and Inter Milan said to be keen on his services. The group also contains youngsters Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Reuell Walters. Matt Turner and Emile Smith-Rowe will not be present owing to their involvement in international duty, Albert Sambi Lokonga is nursing a small muscle complaint whilst club-record signing Nicolas Pepe looks to be on his way out this summer.
Arsenal’s Pre-Season 2023 Fixtures and Results
Saturday, July 8: Arsenal 1-1 Watford (London Colney)
Thursday, July 13: Nurnberg vs Arsenal (Max-Morlock-Stadion, Nuremburg, 6pm BST)
Thursday, July 20: MLS All-Stars vs Arsenal (Audi Field, Washington, 1.30am BST)
Saturday, July 22: Arsenal vs Manchester United (MetLife Stadium, New York, 10pm BST)
Thursday, July 27: Arsenal vs Barcelona (SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, 3.30am BST)
Wednesday, August 2: Arsenal vs Monaco (Emirates Stadium, 6pm BST)
How to Watch Arsenal’s Pre-Season Friendlies
Fans will be able to live stream the games against Nurnberg, Manchester United, Barcelona and Monaco on arsenal.com. A Pre-Season Match Pass is priced at £15.99 for all four games. Alternatively, fans will be able to buy access to each game individually for £4.99 with an Early Bird pass. The clash with the MLS All-Stars will be shown on the Apple TV app and is available via an MLS Season Pass.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s pre-season plans are now in full swing as they look to build on last season’s success and challenge for the Premier League title this year. With a number of exciting fixtures lined up and some new faces in the squad, it promises to be an exciting season for the Gunners. Fans will be able to follow all of the action live on arsenal.com or via an MLS Season Pass.