Arsenal are set to play friendlies against AC Milan and Lyon during their planned Dubai training camp in the World Cup break, according to reports.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Reiss Nelson #24 of Arsenal celebrates a goal during a Florida Cup friendly against Orlando City at Exploria Stadium on July 20, 2022. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Reiss Nelson #24 of Arsenal celebrates a goal during a Florida Cup friendly against Orlando City at Exploria Stadium on July 20, 2022. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s plans for the World Cup break are starting to take shape, with the Mirror reporting that they’ve already agreed to play a friendly against AC Milan during their planned warm-weather training camp in Dubai.

According to the same piece, Arsenal are also looking to play another big-name opponent during the break, which appears to be Lyon.

Le Progres report that Lyon are set to take on Arsenal and Liverpool in Dubai in December.

Arsenal are looking to take advantage of the proximity between Dubai and the World Cup in Qatar. Players will be able to easily join up with Mikel Arteta’s squad when their countries are eliminated.

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Arteta will initially give the players not attending the World Cup some time off, before starting training back up in Dubai ahead of the return of club football on December 26th.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JULY 23: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka after scoring their side's first goal during the Florida Cup match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Camping World Stadium on July 23, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka after scoring their side’s first goal during the Florida Cup match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Camping World Stadium on July 23, 2022. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The Evening Standard had previously confirmed that Arsenal were planning a Dubai camp, suggesting the Gunners intended to play a friendly against a top-flight team. It appears now their opponents will be from the other top-five European leagues.

Arsenal are then also looking to play another friendly when they return to England.

It’s likely we’ll see the Gunners playing at least three matches while the World Cup is on, though it’s unknown whether any of them will be televised.

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