Arsenal are heading to the States! Gunners women's team confirm first ever USA tour including showdown against WSL champions Chelsea

Arsenal announced that the pre-season tour is scheduled to take place from August 15 to 26, with friendly matches against National Women's Soccer League side Washington Spirit and WSL outfit Chelsea. There will be a training camp at George Mason University and the matches will be played from August 18 to August 25 at Audi Field.

Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar said: “We always want to create the best conditions for our teams to prepare and perform at their best in pre-season. This gives our players an opportunity to play and train in a new environment, in front of our supporters around the world. We look forward to a strong pre-season for our men’s and women’s teams, laying the foundations for a successful season ahead.”

The Gunners' managing director Richard Garlick added: “To take our women’s team to the US for the first time on tour is another sign of great progress. We know from our recent trip to Australia that the interest and love for Arsenal Women stretches far and wide. We want to build on that and bring our US supporters closer to the club. We look forward to our visit and building strong foundations for a momentous season ahead, which will see more women’s games come to Emirates Stadium."

Jonas Eidevall's Gunners made a strong start to the WSL season in 2023 but their form faded away towards the middle part of the season as they finished third in the league behind title race battlers Chelsea and Manchester City.

The Gunners will begin their pre-season tour on August 15 after the end of the post-season break as they will look to prepare for yet another gruelling season in WSL.