Arsenal Confirm Club Will Play 2 Matches in Australia in 2017

Australian Gooners will get to see their favorite club up close after Arsenal announced a partnership with the New South Wales Government, which will result in the Gunners playing two friendlies against Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers in 2017.

As part of the deal, Destination NSW will become Arsenal's official tourism partner in Australia, the benefits of which include "LED perimeter signage, player and legend access, digital and social promotions, in-stadium activations and matchday hospitality."

"We are excited to enter into this partnership with the NSW Government and Destination NSW," said Arsenal chief commercial officer Vinai Venkatesham in the press release. "As well as being our first partnership agreement in Australia, the deal is unique in combining a tourism partnership with preseason matches."

According to Dominic Bossi of the Sydney Morning Herald, this will be the first time Arsenal plays in Australia since a friendly in 1977.

Premier League clubs are constantly looking for new sources of revenue and racking up the air miles during the preseason. And Australia is becoming increasingly fertile ground.

This past summer, Liverpool played Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United as part of their Australian tour, while Manchester took part in the International Champions Cup in Melbourne, Australia, and also included Roma and Real Madrid.