ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has given his thoughts ahead of his side’s pre-season tour of America beginning with a game against Cherries on Wednesday.

The Gunners have taken a young squad Stateside, with a host of first-team stars unavailable having been given extra time off following their summer international exploits.

A party of 26 have travelled, 12 being academy players, with games against Manchester United and Liverpool to follow.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal facing Cherries at LA Galaxy’s Dignity Health Sports Park, Arteta, a childhood friend of Andoni Iraola, said: “We’re going to play on three different surfaces, three different stadiums, and different weather conditions.

“The travelling is different and different opposition, so it's great preparation for us.”

He added: “It’s been very positive since day one.

“We started at Marbella for two weeks and then we had a week off. When the players arrived back at the training ground they were at it straight away.

“It’s not a surprise because they’re a joy of a team to work with - even today, straight away with jet lag and high temperatures, they train at the same intensity.”

Asked what he is looking to see from his squad in the US, Arteta added: “That we keep up the standards that we require at every level.

“Physically, there are huge improvements to make and team cohesion is the same.

“Also, evolving in our culture, and earning the right to win games and playing better each time.

“The opposition are going be really tough and the goal is to win the games.”

Cherries have already played one game on their trip, drawing 1-1 with League One Wrexham on Saturday.