Arsenal to face Barcelona in Joan Gamper Trophy

Barcelona are in negotiations with Arsenal to be their opponents in this year’s annual Joan Gamper trophy, say El Mundo Deportivo.

The report claims the friendly tournament will be held on 3-4 August this year, but the opponents for the Catalan club will change if both win European trophies this season.

Should Barca win the Champions League and Arsenal lift the Europa League – they are each in the respective semi-finals – they will meet in the UEFA Super Cup on 14 August.

The Blaugrana return from their tour of Japan in late July having already arranged friendlies against Chelsea and Vissel Kobe.

Joan Gamper was a founding member, player and later president of the Catalan club, with the match held annually in the Camp Nou.

Barca have won each of the last six editions – stretching back to a defeat to Sampdoria in 2012 – while the last English opponents were Manchester City in 2009.

La Liga - Club News