US Tour: Arsenal to face Wayne Rooney’s MLS All-Star in July

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Arsenal will travel to the United States this summer as part of their pre-season US tour ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The club confirmed Mikel Arteta’s men will face a Major League Soccer All-Star team led by former Manchester United striker and D.C. United Head Coach Wayne Rooney on July 19 at the Audi Field in Washington D.C as part of MLS tradition that sees the coach of the host city coaching the MLS All-Stars.

Sporting Director Edu said says the fixture is an opportunity for the team to test themselves against quality opposition. 

“Our match against MLS All-Stars in July is a great opportunity for Mikel and the squad to prepare ahead of the new season, facing a strong opposition. We’re currently working on our pre-season plans and we look forward to announcing further details soon.”

While Arteta believes the match will be a good test for his team and presents amazing opportunity for the club to connect with supporters in the States. 

“It’s great that we’re playing against the MLS All-Stars in Washington D.C. in July. 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 Arsenal team has been involved in an All-Star game in the past. Arsene Wenger’s side won the 2016 MLS Cup 2-1 with goals from Joel Campbell and Chuba Akpom.

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During the summer, an enhanced pre-season tournament is planned for the United States as part of a roadmap to hold competitive matches in strategic markets.

The event is expected to take place in late July, with six Premier League clubs divided into two groups, each playing two round-robin friendlies on various eastern and western coasts.

According to The Athletic in October, 14 of the current 20 Premier League sides are interested with Arsenal expected to be among the teams from the “big six” who will participate in the tournament.

Arsenal currently top of the Premier League table with eight points separating them with second-place Manchester City with 10 matches to go in the current campaign.