Report: Arsenal determine next steps in pre-season following ‘difficult’ club decision

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Arsenal will reportedly schedule behind-closed-door friendlies at London Colney after cancelling their pre-season tour of the US.

According to the Standard, the Gunners are working to arrange at least two fixtures to replace the games Mikel Arteta and his squad would have played in Florida.

Arsenal were due to face Serie A giants Inter Milan this Sunday. Before taking on the winner of Everton’s clash against Colombian giants Millonarios.

However, positive COVID-19 cases in the Gunners camp have seen the tour cancelled.

The north London said in a statement posted on the official club website: “Following a small number of positive COVID tests among the planned party to travel to America tomorrow, we have sadly been forced to withdraw from the Florida Cup.

“This difficult decision is based on ensuring the health and wellbeing of our players and staff.”

The Gunners will likely now focus their efforts on organising friendlies against clubs in the local area.

Last year saw Arsenal played Brentford in a behind closed door fixture at the Emirates Stadium.

Indeed, this disruption to pre-season plans will be a hindrance to Arteta and his squad.

Arsenal played two pre-season matches in Scotland last week. It was only on their return to London where COVID-19 cases were discovered within the training ground.