Arsenal have been handed a hectic schedule at the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The Gunners have finished as runners-up for the last three campaigns and will aim to end their two-decade title drought next term.
Arsenal have yet to confirm any summer signings, but their transfer activity could speed up after the announcement of the fixtures.
The London giants start their campaign against rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 17.
Their first two home games are against Leeds United and Nottingham Forest. On either side of those, they have a difficult-looking schedule (via Arsenal.com).
The Gunners will face Liverpool at Anfield before the first international break. After the restart, they meet Manchester City (home) and Newcastle United (away).
Here are the opening six league games (exact dates to be announced)
Man Utd (A) – August 17 – 4.30 pm BST
Leeds Utd (H) – August 23
Liverpool (A) – August 30
Nottingham Forest (H) – September 13
Man City (H) – September 20
Newcastle Utd (A) – September 27
Looking at the Big Six fixtures, the first north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur will be at the Emirates on 22nd November, with the return game on the 21st of February.
The Gunners will travel to Stamford Bridge to face London rivals Chelsea, seven days after hosting Spurs. The return fixture is similar with Spurs and Chelsea in back-to-back matches (February 21 & 28).
Here are the Big Six fixtures
Arsenal vs Man City – September 20
Man City vs Arsenal – April 18
Arsenal vs Liverpool – January 7
Liverpool vs Arsenal – August 30
Arsenal vs Chelsea – February 28
Chelsea vs Arsenal – November 29
Arsenal vs Man Utd – January 24
Man Utd vs Arsenal – August 17
Arsenal vs Tottenham – November 22
Tottenham vs Arsenal – February 21
Arsenal’s final six games of the campaign are not straightforward either. The Gunners are scheduled to face Manchester City on the road before hosting the Magpies at the Emirates in mid to late April.
The last four fixtures will be against Fulham, West Ham United, Burnley and Crystal Palace. Arsenal dropped seven points against Fulham, West Ham and Palace last term and must improve.
Arsenal’s season run-in – final six games
Manchester City (A) – April 18
Newcastle United (H) – April 25
Fulham (H) – May 2
West Ham United (A) – May 9
Burnley (H) – May 17
Crystal Palace (A) – May 24
Arsenal have a daunting start to the new top-flight season. The hierarchy must be proactive over the coming weeks to secure their preferred transfer targets.
Ideally, Arteta should be handed new recruits in time for pre-season training so that they can adapt and get fully up to speed before the start of the campaign.
The club already have a deal in place for midfielder Martin Zubimendi. A marquee striker and a versatile winger appears a must to add more goals to the team.
A backup goalkeeper is likely to be recruited after Neto’s exit. Arsenal are also exploring a new centre-back despite missing out on Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen.
Another holding midfielder could be prioritised if Thomas Partey leaves on a free transfer. It promises to be an exciting summer transfer window for the Gunners.