Gunners Set to Make Asia Pre-Season Return, with Games in Malaysia, Hong Kong and China

Arsenal's successful pre-season tour of Asia last year has given the London club the confidence to head back to the Far East for their second tour, in July. The Gunners will play games against local teams in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, as well as a high-profile friendly against Manchester City in Beijing, according to the club.

The first leg of this three-stop tour kicks off on 23 July in Bukit Jalil Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, where the Gunners will take part in an open training session expected to be attended by some 30,000 people. Wenger's men will then play a Malaysia XI at the same venue.

"Further to the overwhelming success of our visit to Kuala Lumpur in 2011, everyone associated with Arsenal is very excited to once again be visiting Malaysia this year," Ivan Gazidis, Arsenal Chief Executive told Arsenal.com

"We are delighted that our many loyal fans in Malaysia and neighbouring regions will again have the chance to see their team in action live. We had a fantastic time in Malaysia last year and we are all looking forward to visiting this great country and meeting its wonderful people again in July," he added.

Once Arsenal are done in the South-East, they will travel to China to play City at the famous Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest Stadium) on 27 July. The two Premier League sides will be playing each other in the inaugural "China Cup".

"Further to our hugely successful visit to Hangzhou in 2011, everyone at Arsenal is extremely excited to once again be visiting China this year. We enjoy huge support in Asia and by playing a match in Beijing, we will once again be bringing the Club close to our loyal fans in China. The players and staff had an amazing time in China last year and we are all looking forward to visiting this great country again in July," said Gazidis.

"The match against Manchester City is sure to be an exciting spectacle, with many great players from both sides playing in front of thousands of supporters in the wonderful 'Bird's Nest' Stadium. It is also fitting that two English clubs are playing each other on the opening day of the London 2012 Olympics, in the stadium which hosted the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games," he added

Finally the Gunners will be travelling to Hong Kong, where they will play against Kitchee FC (the regional champions) at the Hong Kong Stadium on 29 July.

"It's great that Arsenal Football Club is visiting Hong Kong again after 17 years. We have many followers in Hong Kong and it's wonderful that these special fans will have an opportunity to see the first-team live in action. The match will follow on from our visit to Beijing, where we play Manchester City in the Bird's Nest, and is another indication of Arsenal's commitment to Asia," said Gazidis, adding, "We're all looking forward to visiting Hong Kong and playing Kitchee will provide the team with good preparation ahead of the 2012/13 season."