MIKEL Arteta has briefly paused his mantra of only focusing on the next game to share his excitement for Arsenal’s pre-season plans this summer.

The club announced this week that the men’s first-team will be travelling to the US in July to take on an MLS All-Stars team managed by former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who is now the head coach at DC United.

The game will take place at Audi Field in Washington on July 19. Looking ahead to the big away day, Arteta said: “Our US tour last summer was very good preparation for the season, and we’re looking forward to once again visiting our amazing supporters in the US.

“The match against the MLS All-Stars will be a good test ahead of the 2023/24 season.”

With further fixtures set to be announced, Arsenal’s sporting director Edu added: “Our match against MLS All-Stars in July is a great opportunity for Mikel and the squad to prepare ahead of the new season, facing strong opposition.”

Meanwhile, with the international break now in full swing, Arteta has plenty of time to plan how Arsenal are going to protect their eight-point lead at the top of the table when they return to Premier League action against Leeds at the Emirates Stadium on April 1.

Asked if he has any concerns about players getting injured, the Gunners gaffer said: “I want to think positively. They’re going to play games and they have to do it in the way that they do it here or better, especially when they’re representing their country.

“We are in contact with all of the players, they know how to look after them and we hope that everything is going to work out.”