Arsenal have confirmed that we’ll soon take part in a friendly match in Dubai against Al-Nasr Dubai SC as part of a five-day warm-weather training camp.

Without a fixture between Thursday’s Europa League game with Rennes and Newcastle’s visit to the Emirates on 1st April, Unai seems happy enough to take his squad to new climes, although it does look like our itinerary has been heavily influenced by sponsors Emirates.

In addition to a match at 6pm on 26th March at the recently refurbished Al Maktoum Stadium, the players will visit a local hospital and the palace of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance. Maybe he can play centre-back?

“It will be great to get some warm weather training and break up the usual routine as we enter the final stage of the season,” said Unai Emery.

“The facilities in Dubai are fantastic and it will be an honour to be part of the formal opening ceremony for the new stadium.”

The club have pointed out that this will be our second ever fixture against Al-Nasr. 43 years ago, goals from Malcolm Macdonald, John Matthews and John Radford sealed a 3-1 victory.