EPL giants Arsenal to play Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers in Sydney in July

THERE might be a few uncertainties swirling around Arsenal, but next year’s two-match tour to Sydney isn’t one of them.

Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez (front) and Hector Bellerin could be two of the London club’s stars headed for Sydney next year.

THERE might be a few uncertainties swirling around Arsenal, but next year’s two-match tour to Sydney isn’t one of them.

The English Premier League giants have locked in their dates and will be playing against Sydney FC on Thursday, July 13, 2017 then against the Western Sydney Wanderers two days later. Both games will take place at ANZ Stadium.

While the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool regularly travel the globe, catching sight of Arsenal outside of Europe is somewhat of a novelty and Stuart Ayres, the NSW Minister for Sport, has encouraged fans to snap up tickets early.

Mesut Ozil in action for Arsenal.

The tour is just over a year away, but the Gunners have promised to bring their stars, including the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud, to Sydney in a boost for the state.

“Football fans around Australia and the world can get these dates in their diary, and book their trip to Sydney for two blockbuster matches,” Mr Ayres said.

“The atmosphere will be electric with Arsenal bringing their first team squad to go head-to-head with our two top sides. We can’t wait to welcome Arsenal to our shores in just over 12 months’ time for the two matches - which are expected to attract more than 28,000 domestic and international visitors to NSW, with a total visitor spend of $18.6 million.”

There’s a question mark surrounding Arsenal’s long-serving coach Arsene Wenger and whether or not he will still be at the club, but both Graham Arnold and Tony Popovic will surely be hoping the Frenchman hangs around so they can pick his brain.

Either way, Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis says the club is looking forward to the matches.

“Our pre-season matches enable the squad to complete final preparations ahead of a new campaign, and Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers will provide a strong test for the team,” Gazidis said.

“The trip also gives our travelling squad a wonderful opportunity to see our loyal supporters in a country so passionate about football; it’s set to be a truly special trip and everyone at Arsenal Football Club is already looking forward to it.”

Tickets for the games will go on sale on July 19 this year.

“I encourage all sports fans to come to Sydney and enjoy our great state,” Mr Ayres said.

“The Arsenal tour is a great partnership with the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, and has been secured exclusively for Sydney.”

Originally published as EPL giants Arsenal to play Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers in Sydney in July