Arsenal have confirmed a second pre-season fixture against Spanish opposition, with Mikel Arteta’s side set to face Girona on 1 August.

The match at Montilivi Stadium has been billed as the 49th edition of the Costa Brava Trophy and will also mark the 150th anniversary of Barcelona-born brewery Estrella Damm.

The two sides have only met once before, in the group stage of the 2024/25 Champions League, when a Jorginho penalty and fine strike by Ethan Nwaneri secured a 2-1 comeback win.

With the World Cup not concluding until 19 July, there’s every chance Arsenal’s squad will feature a healthy mix of Academy prospects and established first-team players who are not involved in the tournament or have already returned from their post-season breaks.

Yesterday, we reported that Andrea Berta had recruited Girona sporting director Javier Alonso. Whether that had any bearing on arranging this fixture is anyone’s guess, but the timing is certainly convenient.

Arsenal then travel to Dublin to face Real Betis on 5 August before taking on Manchester City in the Community Shield in Cardiff on 16 August.

The club is also expected to confirm at least one home friendly to fill the traditional Emirates Cup slot. Borussia Dortmund and Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, have both been mentioned as potential opponents.

Arsenal have confirmed a second pre-season fixture against Spanish opposition, with Mikel Arteta’s side set to face Girona on 1 August.

The match at Montilivi Stadium has been billed as the 49th edition of the Costa Brava Trophy and will also mark the 150th anniversary of Barcelona-born brewery Estrella Damm.

The two sides have only met once before, in the group stage of the 2024/25 Champions League, when a Jorginho penalty and fine strike by Ethan Nwaneri secured a 2-1 comeback win.

With the World Cup not concluding until 19 July, there’s every chance Arsenal’s squad will feature a healthy mix of Academy prospects and established first-team players who are not involved in the tournament or have already returned from their post-season breaks.

Yesterday, we reported that Andrea Berta had recruited Girona sporting director Javier Alonso. Whether that had any bearing on arranging this fixture is anyone’s guess, but the timing is certainly convenient.

Arsenal then travel to Dublin to face Real Betis on 5 August before taking on Manchester City in the Community Shield in Cardiff on 16 August.

The club is also expected to confirm at least one home friendly to fill the traditional Emirates Cup slot. Borussia Dortmund and Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, have both been mentioned as potential opponents.