SYDNEY: Arsenal on Saturday confirmed two 2017 pre-season friendlies in Sydney, continuing the growing trend of top clubs choosing Australia as a warm-up destination. The Gunners will play A-League side Sydney FC on July 13 next year at ANZ Stadium and Western Sydney Wanderers two days later at the same venue. "Our pre-season matches enable the squad to complete final preparations ahead of a new campaign, and Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers will provide a strong test for the team," Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said. Arsenal last visited Sydney in 1977, well before long-time manager Arsene Wenger's days, losing 3-1 to an Australian XI. They follow in the footsteps of a string of clubs including Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City and Real Madrid who have visited Australia in recent years.