Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's first team staff have held conversations with the club's academy staff this week.

Arteta and his coaches are preparing a list of players who will be departing for the Middle East on Sunday for warm weather training.

The Gunners will also play friendlies against AC Milan and Lyon as part of the Dubai Super Cup.

Football.london states that Arsenal's Under-21 players may get a chance to go on the mini tour.

Arteta wants to ensure he is picking the players who can have the most impact in training and games, while being ready to make the step up in competitive matches depending on the condition in which senior players return from their World Cup action.