Arsene Wenger: 'Asia tour benefits players'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that the club's pre-season tour of Asia will only benefit the players.

The Gunners play their first game ahead of the new Premier League campaign on July 14 when the face an Indonesian XI in Jakarta.

"First of all, it's always nice to see that you are loved and famous all over the world," Wenger told the club's official website. "When you live in your bubble you don't always realise just how big Arsenal is.

"It's a good period for them and I believe that for a young boy to discover different cultures and different ways of thinking, having an exchange of experiences with other people who have a completely different culture, can only benefit them."

Arsenal finished last season in fourth place in the Premier League table.