Arsenal’s latest Asia tour is beginning to take shape, with games in Indonesia and Japan previously announced. Notably, Arsenal will face Arsene Wenger’s former side Nagoya Grampus as the first game of their visit.
However, Arsenal have today announced that they will take part in the traditional Saitama Cup against the Urawa Reds, one of Japan’s oldest football teams. Other sides to play in the yearly tournament are Barcelona, Manchester United and Inter Milan.
Arsenal have a large fanbase in Japan, and this will be an excellent chance for them to see Arsenal in the flesh, something that would never happen otherwise. Ivan Gazidis spoke about this:
“We are delighted to confirm our involvement in the Saitama City Cup this July in Japan. We know we will have very strong and vocal support with our Japanese Arsenal supporters in attendance. This will be our second and final fixture in the country as part of the Arsenal Asia Tour 2013.”
Gotze to City?
According to the German magazine Kicker, Manchester City have held talks with the agent of long-time Arsenal target Mario Gotze, with a view to activating his $40 million release clause. Arsenal also retain an interest, as they have since 2011.
There’s always been a quiet belief among some Gooners that Gotze will one day play for Arsenal, as he almost has on a couple of occasions, but his stock is rising, and the involvement of City will make it difficult, for obvious reasons.
However, this could well be a ploy to improve his deal again, perhaps with the release clause removed. It is the belief of German sources that Gotze would only leave Dortmund for Real Madrid or Barcelona.
Team news
The team news this week is good and bad. Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott have a 90 percent chance to be involved, according to Arsene Wenger, with the two English players returning to training this week.
It’s hard to say if either player will instantly re-enter the lineup, with Gervinho showing better form than Walcott over the last couple of months, and Wilshere adding a definite imbalance to the midfield. However, one change may be forced.
Tomas Rosicky is a “major” doubt for Saturday with a hamstring problem, meaning Wilshere may have to come in for the two-goal hero of West Brom last weekend. It’s a blow, but with Wilshere coming in, we can pray that the Czech won’t be missed too greatly.
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