The Bird's Nest, Beijing, China

Arsenal will play Manchester City in a friendly in July at the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest.

The Premier League giants will play each other in the inaugural ‘China Cup’ on July 27, the opening day of the London 2012 Olympics.

Arsenal travelled to China last year playing games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Hangzhou, China.

“Further to our hugely successful visit to Hangzhou in 2011, everyone at Arsenal is extremely excited to once again be visiting China this year,” Arsenal Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis said.

“We enjoy huge support in Asia and by playing a match in Beijing, we will once again be bringing the Club close to our loyal fans in China.

“The players and staff had an amazing time in China last year and we are all looking forward to visiting this great country again in July.

“The match against Manchester City is sure to be an exciting spectacle, with many great players from both sides playing in front of thousands of supporters in the wonderful ‘Bird’s Nest’ Stadium.

“It is also fitting that two English clubs are playing each other on the opening day of the London 2012 Olympics, in the stadium which hosted Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.”