Premier League clubs can take part in friendly matches over the next fortnight, as long as they fulfil a number of conditions.

Sky Sports report that Premier League clubs have permission to schedule friendly matches in the next week or so, before the competitive match action restarts on June 17th. There are quite a few restrictions on the matches, however.

For a start, venues must be no more than 90 minutes away for either team. For Arsenal, the easiest opponent to organise a game against would be Watford, as their training ground is next door.

Players must travel to and from the friendlies in their own cars already wearing their kit. They can’t use the dressing rooms, and if the match is at a stadium they have to walk straight out onto the pitch.

Since referees aren’t part of the group undergoing testing at the moment, club coaches will take charge of the matches for now. That can change as soon as the referees test negative.

Arsenal are lucky enough to be based in London, where they have plenty of options for opponents. Even a team on the south side of the city like Crystal Palace are still less than 90 minutes away from London Colney.

Friendly matches should do the team good in terms of their match sharpness, so I’d definitely advise Mikel Arteta to take up the option.