Arsenal to play behind-closed-doors game this week

Arsenal are set to kick off pre-season with a friendly match behind closed doors, according to a report.

Max Dowman stands on the ball during Arsenal training. Marli Salmon stands behind him. They are both wearing Arsenal training kits of a deep red and blue shorts — Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images

Arsenal Fixture News reports that Arsenal will start pre-season with a behind-closed-doors friendly match this weekend, with the game to be played at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.

The exact details of the match remain unclear, but it’s set for the weekend of July 25-26th and the likely opponents are reportedly Norwich City.

Ebere Eze in Arsenal training after his injury scare — Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images

The rest of Arsenal’s pre-season schedule has already been confirmed, with the Gunners’ first public friendly taking place in Spain away to Girona on Saturday, August 1st.

Mikel Arteta’s squad will then play Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund, and Como 1907 over the following fortnight, before the Community Shield on Sunday, August 16th.

Then it will be back to Premier League action the following Friday, with Arsenal kicking off the new season against Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on August 21st.

Arsenal 2026 pre-season schedule

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 08: An aerial view of Emirates Stadium ahead of the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on October 08, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) — Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

July 25th/26th – BCD friendly vs Norwich City
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 exterior of the Principality Stadium prior to the Quilter Nations Series 2025 rugby international match between Wales and South Africa at Principality Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) — Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images

Arsenal goalkeeper believes his teammate deserves award
Kepa Arrizabalaga has backed his Arsenal teammate David Raya to win the Yashin Trophy at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Report: Manchester City found guilty on 114 charges
Manchester City have been found guilty on all but one of the 115 charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations, according to a report.
Arsenal striker drew summer transfer interest from Spain
Viktor Gyokeres drew interest from clubs from Spain and elsewhere over the summer, but Arsenal set a firm stance against the striker’s sale.
Arsenal summer signing tells media he came to be a champion
Bruno Guimaraes has told the media he wants to be a champion with Arsenal, as he kicks off the international break with Brazil.
Harry Kane defends Arsenal player over England withdrawal
Harry Kane has defended Declan Rice following the Arsenal midfielder’s withdrawal from the England camp for the September-October internationals.