Arsenal organise pre-Europa League final friendly against Austrian minnows LASK Linz this week

Arsenal will take on Austrian side LASK Linz in a friendly as they look to make the most of their preparations ahead of the Europa League final.

The Gunners face Premier League rivals Chelsea in the European final in Baku on May 29, with Unai Emery’s side needing victory to secure a Champions League spot next season.

And ahead of the eagerly-anticipated showdown, the Gunners have arranged a friendly against minnows Linz behind closed doors at their London Colney training base on Thursday.

Reports in Austria claim that Arsenal will charter a plane to fly the Austrian outfit over for the friendly this week. 

Linz sit second in the Austrian top flight, 12 points behind leaders Red Bull Salzburg.

Former Middlesbrough and West Ham defender Emanuel Pogatetz, now 36 years of age, currently plays for Linz. 

Unai Emery’s men take on London rivals Chelsea in the Europa League final in Baku on May 29

Arsenal have a long-standing connection with Austrian football, having held many pre-season training camps over there in the past. 

Emery’s side will benefit from the run-out this Thursday having not played since the Premier League’s final day of the season on May 12 against Burnley.

Arsenal’s fifth place finish in the Premier League has placed a huge importance on the Europa League final against their London rivals.   

Arsenal need to beat Chelsea in the final to secure a Champions League spot next season