Arsene Wenger has described his excitement ahead of friendlies against Sydney and WS Wanderers this summer.

Wenger is set to lead the first-team squad out against Sydney on 13 July and the Wanderers two days later.

On next month’s adventure to Australia, Wenger said, “I love Australia, we have a strong support there so it’s always a privilege to travel and to see how big a club Arsenal has become.

“From a very local club, Arsenal has become a club that is respected by and all over the world.”

These two friendlies are unlikely to see all of Arsenal’s first-team players feature as most will be representing their countries on international duty and are expected to return at different times over the next six weeks.

However, that hasn’t affected Wenger’s thoughts on their trip.

“For us, pre-season is the moment where we can enjoy that and we can give some pleasure to the fans who live us from all these different countries.

“Australia is a very sporting country and it will be very nice to go there and play. We play twice there and I am convinced that it will be two different games for the start.”

Despite winning the FA Cup Final for the seventh time during his tenure as Arsenal boss with a 2-1 win over Premier League champions Chelsea last month, it was largely seen as a disappointing season for the Gunners as they failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League whilst struggling to maintain a league charge after Christmas.

As a result, Wenger has acknowledged the fact that he needs to strengthen his current squad to compete with their rivals in more efficient manner across the campaign and not just the early months.

“Between now and the tour, we will work every day to get the best possible environment around the team and to strengthen the team.

“That’s basically a lot of dark, invisible work.

“But that is demanded and that means never leave your seat without your phone, never go to bed without your phone, because anything can happen.

“We will basically be on alert 24 hours a day.”

Tickets for next month’s encounter are now available online here.