Mikel Arteta - Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal will host La Liga sides Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium this August as part of the return of the Emirates Cup, staging two high-profile friendlies ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, according to Charles Watts.
The Gunners are set to face Athletic Bilbao on the weekend of August 9–10, followed by a midweek encounter with Villarreal, likely to take place on August 12 or 13. The fixtures will serve as the final phase of Arsenal’s pre-season preparations and provide supporters with an early glimpse of Mikel Arteta’s squad before the new season begins.
READ MORE: Arsenal in danger of losing world-class talent for free amid delicate contract talks
The two friendly matches are aimed at sharpening the team’s readiness while enhancing fan engagement. Athletic Bilbao, who finished fifth in La Liga last season, will provide a competitive challenge and could feature stars like Nico Williams, who recently signed a new long-term contract despite links to Barcelona and Arsenal. While Villarreal, under manager Marcelino who are known for their tactical discipline and European pedigree, will offer another stern test.
🚨 BREAKING from @charles_watts:
Arsenal will be hosting the Emirates Cup (Two Home Friendlies) before the season starts.
The two teams are expected to be Bilbao & Villarreal.
Bilbao on the weekend of 9th/10th & Villarreal midweek. 🏟️ 📅 pic.twitter.com/ryrZRvo9gQ
— Le African Gooner (@leafricangooner) July 4, 2025
The scheduling reflects Arteta’s desire to strike a balance between performance readiness and connection with home fans. The Emirates Cup fixtures will follow Arsenal’s Asia tour, which includes matches against AC Milan and Newcastle United in Singapore on July 23 and 27, respectively, and a headline North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong on July 31.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
The Emirates Cup showdowns will act as the final tune-ups before Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 17.
Last summer’s pre-season saw Arsenal defeat Lyon 2–0 in the Emirates Cup before putting on a dominant display against Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, winning 4–1. With expectations high heading into the 2025/26 season, this year’s Emirates Cup is set to play a pivotal role in finalising the Gunners’ preparations.
NEXT ARTICLE: £16m Arsenal first-team star leaves club following contract termination