This archive report was first published on 27 July 2019.
On August 11, 2019, Arsenal will face Newcastle in their first competitive match of the season.
However, before the Gunners take to the pitch, they have been making headlines off it. Arsenal manager Unai Emery recently sent a congratulatory letter to a Kenyatta University graduate, Kelvin Ndirangu Njama, who graduated on Friday.
Emery's letter, sent via the UK's Royal Mail, read: "I want to send my congratulations to you as you graduate from Kenyatta University. I have read that you are a passionate supporter, I too am very passionate and excited about the journey we are taking together. I thank you for your support and your emotion, we play for our supporters and you are with this team."
The letter has sparked a range of reactions on social media, with some fans praising Emery's gesture and others questioning its value.
"Supporting this club has been quite unrewarding for too long now????" wrote Kevin Mb?r?.
"See, Arsenal knows how to appreciate its fans" said Raj Mandavia.
Emery's letter is not the only surprise the Gunners have in store for their fans. The team is due to host French club Lyon in a friendly at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, then travel to Angers in France for another friendly on Wednesday.
The Gunners' first competitive match of the season is on August 11, 2019 against Newcastle.
Arsenal finished fifth in the English Premier League last season, narrowly missing out on a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
The Gunners manager is expected to rely more heavily on 30-year-old Ozil this season after midfielder Aaron Ramsey left on a free transfer to Italian side Juventus.
