Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to reach a ‘different dimension’
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Premier League champions Arsenal begin their pre-season campaign this evening as they take on Girona in Spain.
The Gunners have reconvened for a warm-weather training camp in Spain which will culminate in a first friendly of the summer against Girona, who were relegated after finishing second-bottom of La Liga last season.
Mikel Arteta has been speaking this week about the need for Arsenal to ‘evolve’ this summer after finally ending the 22-year wait for a league title, and this match will afford supporters the first chance to see his changes in person.
The most notable attraction will likely be a first proper chance to watch summer signing Christos Tzolis, who will hope to make his full Arsenal debut. His only involvement for the club so far came in a behind-closed-doors defeat of MK Dons.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Girona vs Arsenal is scheduled for a 7pm BST kick-off today, Saturday, August 1, 2026.
The match will take place at Estadi Montilivi.
Where to watch Girona vs Arsenal
TV channel and live stream: In the UK, the game will not be televised live. Fans can take in the action on Arsenal’s website and app.
A pay-per-view pass can be purchased for the match, worth £6.99.
Alternatively, supporters can buy a streaming bundle covering Arsenal’s full pre-season campaign for the early bird rate of £9.99. That price will rise to £14.99 at 9am BST on matchday, August 1.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Girona vs Arsenal team news
Arsenal will be without several first-team players who are still on holiday following involvement at the World Cup, though Brazil pair Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhães have both joined up. So too have Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz.
Jurrien Timber has reported for pre-season training but is still carrying an injury and will not be involved here. William Saliba is out for months with a back problem.
Summer signing Christos Tzolis is in line to make his full debut after he featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly last week.
Among those who may feature for Girona are ex-Manchester United man Donny van de Beek and Morocco’s World Cup star, Azzedine Ounahi. Former Tottenham star Bryan Gil will also hope to play a part.
GIRONA, SPAIN - JULY 27: of (L-R) Viktor Gyokeres and Ben White Arsenal during a training session at Hotel Camiral de Caldes de Malavella on July 27, 2026 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Girona vs Arsenal prediction
The result of this match will be secondary for Mikel Arteta, who will be chiefly concerned with getting minutes in the legs of as many players as possible and avoiding injuries in doing so.
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With that said, he will fully expect a win against second-tier opposition, and with his squad near full strength, he should have no problems.
Arsenal to win 3-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
The sole previous meeting between these sides came in the league phase of the 2024/25 Champions League. Arsenal came from behind to win 2-1 thanks to a Jorginho penalty and Ethan Nwaneri winner.
Girona wins: 0
Arsenal wins: 1
Draws: 0
Girona vs Arsenal match odds
Girona to win: 17/4
Arsenal to win: 1/2
Draw: 16/5
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