VietNamNet Bridge - Viet Nam has invited English Premier League club Arsenal to play a friendly during their Asian tour next year, a source from the British sports marketing firm Strata said yesterday.

As scheduled, the Gunners will play three friendly matches in China and Viet Nam next summer.

The source also said it plans to seek a US$2 million sponsorship deal to pay for the Arsenal friendly.

In 2007, Arsenal established a football academy – the Arsenal-Hoang Anh Gia Lai JMG Football Academy – in a $4 million project with local Central Highlands team Hoang Anh Gia Lai.

The Premier League team also helped to construct a community football school – the Vinamilk-Arsenal Football School in HCM City to teach children to play football.

Last year, Viet Nam failed to invite Manchester United during their tours in Thailand.

Last November, ex-Manchester United and Liverpool including Andy Cole and Steve McManaman played in a two-day competition in Ha Noi.

In 2008, Viet Nam lost to Brazil's Olympic team, which included world stars Ronaldinho, Alexandre Pato, 2-0 in a friendly in Ha Noi.

Source: VNS