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London rivals Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal will meet in a series of pre-season friendlies this summer, it has been announced.

Money-spinning pre-season tours across the world are off the agenda this summer because of current Covid-19 travel restrictions, meaning Premier League sides will be preparing for the new campaign at home.

And the three London giants announced on Tuesday that their preparations will include high-profile games against each other in the first week of August.

London rivals Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal will meet in a series of pre-season friendlies

Named 'The Mind Series', funds raised will go towards the UK’s leading mental health charity

Named 'The Mind Series', funds raised will be split between the UK’s leading mental health charity and the club's respective foundations.

Arsenal will host Chelsea at the Emirates in the first game of the series on August 3 at 3pm.

Chelsea then play host to Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on August 4 at 7:45pm before Spurs travel to Arsenal on August 8 at 2pm to complete the schedule.

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel said: 'I am pleased that my first pre-season with Chelsea contains such high-level fixtures against such top-quality opponents. Hopefully there can be plenty of fans in the stadiums.

'Derby matches against Arsenal and Tottenham cannot fail to have a competitive edge, which is what the team needs as we prepare for the season, and knowing the games will benefit charities as important as Mind and our own Foundation adds much value to the series.

'It is super important that looking after mental health is highlighted at this time in history.'

Champions League winners Chelsea kick-off the new Premier League season at home to Crystal Palace, Arsenal travel to Brentford and Spurs go to Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta added: 'As we take steps forward out of the pandemic, we're happy to play in a series which promotes better mental health.

'The last 18 months have been incredibly difficult and so many people - including many of our own fans - understandably need some extra support for their mental wellbeing.

The London rivals will square off in early August before the Premier League season begins

'Of course, these pre-season games will provide our teams with excellent high-quality preparation ahead of next season, but also very importantly they will be raising funds and awareness for organisations, like Mind, who give their outstanding support to those who need it the most in difficult circumstances.'

Ticket information and the size of a permitted crowd are due to be announced in the coming weeks. 

Manchester United also announced their pre-season schedule on Tuesday, which will include a game against club legend Wayne Rooney's Derby County.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men also play another Championship side in Queens Park Rangers, before meeting newly-promoted Brentford and Merseyside rivals Everton. 

Last season's Premier League and Europa League runners-up then kick off the new season against Leeds on home soil.