Arsene Wenger has confirmed Australian fans will get first look at new recruit Alexandre Lacazette in this week’s friendlies against Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Just hours after touching down in Sydney early on Tuesday morning, Wenger and Gunners stars Petr Cech, Laurent Koscielny and skipper Per Mertersacker were on hand for an official welcome ceremony at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
EPL giants Arsenal arrive in Sydney ahead of friendlies
LACAZETTE TO MAKE SYDNEY DEBUT
The Gunners broke their transfer record to bring in the French international striker from Ligue 1 club Lyon.
“Lacazette will make his debut here,” Wenger confirmed.
“On Thursday night we expect him to play some of the game and the [Saturday night] game as well. He will take part in both games.”
WENGER’S KNOWLEDGE OF HIS A-LEAGUE OPPONENTS
“I don’t know a lot about them but I know they have been very successful,” the three-time Premier League winning manager said.
“We don’t have the privilege to watch Australian football in England.
“It will be good to have to try and adapt quickly to a team that we don’t know and I believe that’s part of pre-season as well.
“I’m sure we’ll meet two teams of quality and two teams that will play with plenty of enthusiasm against us to show their level. It will be difficult games.”
ARSENAL’S LONG DROUGHT DOWN UNDER
Arsenal have a huge following in Australia, although this is the first time the club has made the trip Down Under since 1975.
“It’s great for the players. One of the positives we discussed is that Arsenal is loved all over the world and especially in Australia,” he said.
“We haven’t been here for a long time and it’s a good way to be together in a completely different environment and to prepare.
“We’ve only just arrived this morning but I promise on Thursday night we’ll be ready.
“It’s a very important time of the season for us, it’s where we prepare and get ready for the season ahead.”
