Arsenal confirm Benfica, Sevilla and RB Leipzig as opponents for 2017 Emirates Cup

Arsenal have confirmed that RB Leipzig, Benfica and Sevilla will be their opponents in this summer’s Emirates Cup, due to take place on the final weekend in July.

Standard Sport first revealed plans to include Benfica at the friendly tournament earlier this month and the Portuguese giants will be joined by two more of Europe’s top sides.

Sevilla have won the Europa League in each of the last three seasons whilst RB Leipzig have quickly reached the forefront of German football and currently lie second in the Bundesliga during their first season since promotion.

Leipzig manager Ralph Hassenhutl has even been linked with the job at the Emirates when Arsene Wenger moves on.

As ever the Emirates Cup will see additional points awarded for each goal a side scores in addition to the standard three points for a win and one for a draw. Arsenal have won the tournament on four of the eight occasions it has so far been staged, including its most recent occurrence in 2015.

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: "We’re all delighted to once again be hosting the Emirates Cup this summer. Every year we have staged the competition, the Emirates Cup has been hugely successful and a thoroughly enjoyable weekend of football.

"Benfica, Sevilla and Leipzig are three strong clubs, with good players, who will not only hopefully produce some exciting football, but also provide us with high quality preparation ahead of the new season."

Emirates Cup fixtures

July 29
RB Leipzig vs Sevilla (2pm)
Arsenal vs Benfica (4.20pm)

July 30
RB Leipzig vs Benfica (2pm)
Arsenal vs Sevilla (4.20pm)

Arsenal’s pre-season preparations for the 2017-18 campaign will also include friendlies against local opposition in Australia in July, as first revealed by Standard Sport, before prestigious games against Chelsea and Bayern Munich in China.

The Gunners will also consider an additional friendly before the new Premier League season begins on Saturday August 12.

Tickets for the Emirates Cup will be priced at £25 for adults and £12 for concessions, with sales due to begin on May 11. For more information visit the Arsenal website.