EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal want to bring Gunners brand to America as club look into stateside tour



Arsenal want to crack the American market next summer in an attempt to bolster the club's spending power.

Sportsmail has learned the north-London club are exploring the idea of a pre-season tour in the USA ahead of next season.

The club have focused their attentions on the Far East market in recent summers, but their next target is to expand the Arsenal brand across the Atlantic.

Expansive: Arsenal embarked upon a Far East tour before this season

The Barclays Premier League has a growing number of fans in the States, thanks in part to the mega broadcasting deal struck with US television network NBC earlier this year.

And the Gunners are keen to make their mark Stateside as they look to benefit from the potentially lucrative American market.

The tour is likely to include a clash against Denver-based MLS side Colorado Rapids, who are owned by the Gunners' majority shareholder Stan Kroenke.

Meanwhile, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is aiming to make his return from a knee injury in next month's FA Cup third round clash against Tottenham.

He's a hit: Alex Song is pictured in Malaysia on an earlier pre-season tour with Arsenal

Spreading their wings: Arsenal now plan to head stateside having played in the Far East a number of times

The youngster has been sidelined since the first day of season after straining the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee following a 50/50 tackle with Antonio Luna in the 3-1 loss to Aston Villa on the opening day of the season.

Sportsmail revealed earlier this month how the 20-year-old had recommenced running, and Chamberlain is understood to be making pleasing progress in his attempts to regain full fitness.

And if everything goes according to plan Chamberlain could be fit for the visit of local rivals Spurs on January 4.

Eyes on the prize: Arsenal's majority shareholder Stan Kroenke is from Missouri



