In the months leading up to Arsenal’s US pre-season tour, something was concerning Mikel Arteta.
As he saw it, he needed strong opposition on the schedule to fine-tune his team ahead of a defining season, his fifth full campaign at the helm. He confirmed with club executives including managing director Richard Garlick and sporting director Edu, and a list was drawn up.
They would face Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United in Philadelphia and Los Angeles respectively, then League One Wrexham, in the States by way of their Hollywood owners.