There has been a lot of talk recently about Arsenal engaging on their first real commercial tour in the summer. Until now Austria has been the pre-season base camp, the players undergo rigorous fitness and conditioning training ahead of a few low-key friendly matches.

However, one of the main income streams for the future will be commercial revenue and Arsenal’s does lack behind the top clubs and pressure is mounting to go on a money-spinning tour. The places that have been suggested in the media are the USA, Far East and there are even suggestions South Africa may be a destination. Is it my understanding that at this stage the Far East is looking like that destination, the exact country is something I have no idea about. There is still plenty of time left for that to change and it wouldn’t surprise me if it does.

Speaking today in the Daily Star tabloid newspaper; Peter Hill-Wood said that there will be no pressure on Arsene Wenger to go anywhere in particular, but claims he will recognise the need to go for the sake of the clubs commercial activities:

“I don’t want to say to Arsene we are going to Thailand or whatever. My feeling is that he understands it might be the right thing to do.”

This comes after Wenger admitted he was ‘under pressure’ to agree for these tours earlier on this season at the shareholder Q&A:

“I am under pressure from the club to do it. But i want to start the season well. If it’s just to make money then no. If for other reasons, then maybe yes.

“We are examining it, but not in a year when the Euros or World Cup years. International players, under FIFA rules, must have four weeks’ holiday.”

From a monetary point of view the Far East is by far the best option. For immediate impact the USA may have the edge, but there would be a scramble due to other, more popular, sports. The Far East is starting to slowly have an influence in world football – the FIFA Club World Cup is currently exploiting that region and it has limitless potential for income through commercial revenues.

There have been stories in the press about Arsenal forming sponsorship deals with Toyota. Arsene Wenger has a strong relationship with executives from Toyota whom paid the majority of his wages during his time in Japan with Grampus Eight.

A tour could also be a key factor in keeping ticket prices at their current level, Hill-Wood saying:

“We can edge up ticket prices a bit, but I don’t believe we can increase them dramatically,”

With the Euro’s next summer it gives the scenario where a tour will happen this coming summer or in two years time. There will be pressure for the former and I am sure it will happen and the Far East will be the destination.

As I said though, there is plenty of time for things to change.

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