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Arsenal confirm first-ever U.S. tour vs. Chelsea, NWSL duo

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Arsenal have confirmed their first United States preseason tour to take place between Aug. 15-26.

First reported by ESPN last month, Arsenal will play Washington Spirit while Chelsea face NJ/NY Gotham FC before the Women's Super League duo play a friendly in Washington, D.C.

The north London club confirmed their matches will take place at Audi Field on Aug. 18 vs. Spirit and Aug. 25 vs. Chelsea, with a training camp at George Mason University held over the course of the visit.

Chelsea confirmed their fixture against Gotham taking place at Red Bull Arena on Aug. 19. The Blues' former manager, Emma Hayes, departed the club after 12 years to become the new head coach of the United States women's national team.

Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar said: "We always want to create the best conditions for our teams to prepare and perform at their best in pre-season. This gives our players an opportunity to play and train in a new environment, in front of our supporters around the world."

It is the first time two WSL clubs will embark on such high-profile summer preparations; however, Arsenal headed to Australia at the end of last month for a controversial match against the Australia A-League All Stars.