Arsène Wenger will enjoy a reunion with Patrick Vieira and Edu
later this month - but he wants to leave them both in the shade at
the Emirates Cup.
The Arsenal manager is determined to win the inaugural pre-season
tournament at Emirates Stadium and has pledged to field strong
sides against Paris St. Germain on Saturday, July 28 and Inter
Milan a day later.
Inter will be bolstered by former Arsenal captain Vieira while
Valencia, who complete a stellar line-up in north London, have Edu
in their ranks. But Wenger expects the Club's new signings to make
their mark too as Arsenal chase silverware on home soil.
"We will be taking the Emirates Cup very seriously as it is an
important part of pre-season," Wenger told Arsenal.com. "We are all
really looking forward to playing at Emirates Stadium and it is a
good opportunity for us to play some very strong opposition at home
before the season starts.
"I would like to say to all supporters that we will be playing a
strong side for both matches and we will be taking both matches
very seriously, so you can expect to see all available players
involved the matches over the weekend.
"I have been told that tickets for the Sunday have completely sold
out, and that tickets are selling quickly for the Saturday, so it
shows that Arsenal supporters cannot wait for the new season to
start.
"And I understand that the Club have structured the tickets prices
reasonably, so it a great opportunity for fans to have a good day
out watching two matches and enjoying some high-quality
football."
Last summer's preparations were disrupted by the World Cup finals
in Germany but Wenger expects the vast majority of his squad to be
in peak condition when the 2007/08 campaign kicks off. Indeed,
Gilberto is the only Arsenal player who has been on extended
international duty, helping Brazil win the Copa America.
"There was no World Cup or European Championships this summer so
most of the players have had a longer rest and I will select the
team for the Emirates Cup matches from everybody who has returned
training," said Wenger. "That means that it will be the first time
our new signings would have played at Emirates Stadium for Arsenal,
and the sides we field will be very strong.
"We know how important it is to start the new season well, and I am
convinced we will be focused, ready to start, and that the players
will do very well and the Emirates Cup will play a big part towards
our preparation.
"From a personal point of view, and for the fans especially, it
will be fantastic to welcome Patrick Vieira back to the Club again
over the weekend. He will be coming back with Inter and Im sure he
will be given great reception by everybody. Edu will also be coming
back to London with Valencia, and Im always happy when our former
players maintain a good relationship with the Club once theyve
left, which is the case with Edu and Patrick.
"The other team we play will be Paris Saint-Germain, who have a
number of quality players, and are sure to give us the test that we
need in the build up to the new season."