Arsenal confirm another pre-season friendly

The Serie A side will visit three days after Borussia Dortmund, giving Mikel Arteta’s squad two home tests before the Community Shield.

COMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 19: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas and Nico Paz of Como 1907celebrate the victory at the end of the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) — Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Arsenal have confirmed another pre-season friendly at Emirates Stadium, with Cesc Fabregas set to bring Como 1907 to north London in August.

The men’s first team will face the Serie A side on Wednesday, August 12, with kick-off at 7.30pm UK time, three days after Borussia Dortmund visit for the 2026 Emirates Cup.

Arsenal will begin their pre-season programme against Girona in Spain on Saturday, August 1, before facing Real Betis in Dublin on Wednesday, August 5. They then return to Emirates Stadium for Dortmund on Sunday, August 9, and Como on Wednesday, August 12.

Arsenal's Mikel Arteta shouts instructions to the players from the touchline during the pre-season friendly football match for the Emirates Cup final between Arsenal and and Lyon, at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 11, 2024. (Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images) — Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images

The competitive season starts quickly after that, with Arsenal facing Manchester City in the FA Community Shield in Cardiff on Sunday, August 16, before opening their Premier League title defence at home to newly promoted Coventry City on Friday, August 21.

Arsenal could still arrange one or two behind-closed-doors matches, although those are often confirmed late, or only after they have been played.

Arsenal 2026 pre-season schedule

July 19th, 20:00 – World Cup ends
August 1st, 19:00 – Girona vs Arsenal – Estadi Montilivi, Girona
August 5th, 19:30 – Arsenal vs Real Betis – Aviva Stadium, Dublin
August 9th – Arsenal vs Dortmund– Emirates Stadium, London
August 12th – Arsenal vs Como – Emirates Stadium, London
August 16th, 15:00 – Arsenal vs Manchester City – Principality Stadium, Cardiff

A general view of the Emirates stadium during the pre-season friendly football match for the Emirates Cup final between Arsenal and and Lyon, at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 11, 2024. (Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images) — Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images

Arsenal confirm another pre-season friendly
Arsenal have confirmed Como 1907 for another Emirates friendly, bringing Cesc Fabregas back before the new season begins.
Chelsea accused of disrespectful & insulting bid for former Gunner
Sunderland have blasted Chelsea for a disrespectful and insulting £8m bid for Granit Xhaka, telling the London club the former Arsenal midfielder isn’t for sale at any price.
Director confirms Arsenal 22yo winger interest
Arsenal have spent time scouting Dario Osorio of FC Midtjylland, according to the club’s technical director, though the Gunners’ title win may affect their pursuit.
Arsenal loanee keeps strong form going
Arsenal loanee Charles Sagoe Jr. kept his strong form going with a goal in a friendly this weekend, as Kalmar prepare to return to competitive action next Sunday.
Another key Arsenal staffer to leave
Arsenal lead performance coach Sam Wilson is set to leave the club for a more senior role elsewhere, in another change behind the scenes in north London.