Arsenal pre-season friendlies: Dates and kick-off times as Mikel Arteta prepares Gunners for title defence

ARSENAL are set to begin their pre-season campaign next week! The Gunners are heading across Europe to prepare for the new season, where they will play some of the continent’s best teams and reunite with a club legend. Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years Credit: Getty Arteta is looking to build on their most successful season in 22 years, winning the Premier League title and coming runners-up in the Champions League to PSG. This return to the top has been a goal for Arsenal for the past few years, after finishing second in three consecutive seasons. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! To build on their success they have signed Piero Hincapie on a permanent deal from Leverkusen after a successful loan spell last season and goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds on a free. They will be hopeful of securing some more transfers before the window closes – with players such as Bradley Barcola and Bruno Guimaraes heavily linked to the club – but now must turn their attention to pre-season. Arsenal ticket and hospitality deals GET tickets to see Arsenal home games with these official deals. The packages include optional upgrades to VIP hospitality. 21 Aug v Coventry City — BOOK HERE 6 Sep v Chelsea — BOOK HERE 10 Oct v Leeds United — BOOK HERE 24 Oct v Everton — BOOK HERE 7 Nov v Hull City — BOOK HERE More games available here. *If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. Arsenal pre-season schedule Arsenal has four matches organised for this year’s pre-season campaign and a Community Shield clash to conclude it. It kicks off against Girona, who were relegated from La Liga 2 years on from their unbelievable 3rd place finish in the 2023/24 season. They will then play Spanish side Real Betis before facing Niko Kovac’s Borussia Dortmund, who are on the back of their third 2nd place finish in five years. After that it is a reunion for Arsenal fans as Italian side Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, will play Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Most read in Football Fabregas spent three years at the Gunners, winning two trophies and establishing himself as a key player to their success. Finally, less than one week before the season starts, Arsenal will face their toughest test as they face Maresca’s Manchester City in the Community Shield final for the prospect of early silverware. Saturday, August 1, 7pm BST – Girona vs Arsenal (Girona, Spain) Wednesday, August 5, 7:30pm BST – Arsenal vs Real Betis (Dublin, Ireland) Sunday, August 9, 2pm BST – Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund (London, England) Wednesday, August 12, 7:30pm BST – Arsenal vs Como (London, England) Sunday, August 16, 3pm BST – Arsenal vs Manchester City (Cardiff, Wales) Where to watch Arsenal’s 2026 pre-season Arsenal’s pre-season will be available to watch on Arsenal.com, Arsenal Official App, Now TV and Sky Sports Fans are required to subscribe to the services to be able to watch the action. Alternatively, you can follow each of the Gunners’ five matches via SunSport‘s live blogs. When does the 2026/27 Premier League season start? Arsenal begins the Premier League season with an opening Friday night game against Coventry on Friday, August 21, at the Emirates Stadium Coventry, managed by Frank Lampard, are on the back of a successful campaign, winning the EFL championship 11 points clear, and return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years Comment now