It’s been an incredible start to the season for Arsenal, who have won nine of their opening 10 league games for the first time in their history following a 1-0 victory over Leeds United on Sunday.
Some will say that it’s down to a number of reasons, including the lessons learned from last season and the key transfer business overseen in the summer. Whilst that may be true, the benefits of a perfect pre-season tour of America have also shown and it could be something the club attempts to repeat next year.
According to The Athletic, there are plans to organise an “enhanced pre-season tournament” in the United States during the summer of 2023 as part of a roadmap to hold “competitive matches in strategic markets”.
READ MORE: Premier League eye USA pre-season tournament with potential Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham games
Due to increasing levels of interest to expand England’s top flight globally, it’s added that executives want to hold “meaningful” games abroad, despite league officials insisting regular-season fixtures were not currently part of proposals. With all of that in mind, football.london breaks down what could happen as per the report.
How will the tournament work?
Although the details are yet to be finalised, it is anticipated the event will occur in late July next year. It could see around six Premier League clubs divided across two separate groups, each playing two round-robin style friendlies in multiple cities on the east and west coasts of America.
What teams are involved?
As it stands, it's believed that 14 of the current 20 Premier League sides are keen to participate. The intentions of the so-called “Big Six”, who include Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea are not known, but there is optimism that at least one of them will be willing to take part.
What are the benefits for Arsenal?
Considering Arsenal’s history of playing in the States and the obvious connection with the club's owners, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, you would expect the Gunners to be one of those interested in joining the project. It also comes at an interesting time for KSE, who are looking to expand and deepen Arsenal’s scouting operations in North America.
The pre-season tournament could provide the perfect opportunity to do just that after the signings of Matt Turner and Auston Trusty became official in the summer. There are a number of exciting talents, particularly in the MLS, that could present Mikel Arteta and Edu with some intriguing transfer options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Earlier this year, Arsenal won all of their pre-season games in the US, where they were able to work on a number of things in training as well as meet supporters and bond as a team throughout. “The tour helps a lot. You are nearly 24-7 together,” Granit Xhaka told The Athletic.
“We are eating breakfast, lunch, dinner, always together, but not only for us players, but as well for the other people that are here around because we don't see them normally a lot in the training ground. And it's good to see who is doing the work, why and who is helping us.”
It was a message echoed by Rob Holding, who also explained the benefits of spending time with team members while in the US. “We've mixed it up, so each day, two of the players will sort out the table plan,” Holding said.
“So you'll get two players, two members of the coaching staff, and some of the club media staff, and you're mingling with different people all the time. It means you get to know them personally and their families. It gives you a bit more togetherness.”
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