CURRENT English Premier League champions Chelsea will head to Australia to play a friendly match against A-League club Perth Glory at the new Optus Stadium on July 23.

While Chelsea have visited Sydney recently, it will be their first trip to Perth in 44 years in what will be a huge occasion for WA’s new stadium, which has been open for less than a month.

The match is set to attract a crowd of 60,000 and will be a boost to the local economy; a reason why the NSW government is so committed to investing in Sydney’s stadiums.

Chelsea will also be involved in a schedule of activities leading up to the match and former Blues and Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says the team will be excited about the trip.

“This venue is truly spectacular, I know the team will be hugely excited to be the first Premier League club to play here,” Schwarzer said.

Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard could be headed to Perth later this year. Source: AP

“There are thousands of passionate Chelsea supporters across Australia and South-East Asia. I’d encourage them to come and watch the team play at this world class venue and take some time to enjoy the very best of Perth and Western Australia.”

The match is scheduled to take place just over a week after the World Cup final in Russia.

Tickets go on sale on February 15, with prices starting from $49.