Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas will make an emotional return to the Emirates Stadium after Como confirmed a pre-season friendly against the Premier League champions on August 12.
The fixture, announced by both clubs, will mark the first-ever meeting between Arsenal and the Italian side as preparations begin for the 2026/27 campaign.
Fabregas, now head coach of Como, spent eight years at Arsenal after making his senior debut for the club in 2003. The Spaniard will return to North London for the first time as an opposing manager.
Como prepare for historic season
The match takes place at the Emirates Stadium, 10 days before Como begin their Serie A campaign away to Udinese.
It also serves as part of the Italian club’s preparations for their maiden UEFA Champions League campaign after securing a top-four finish in Serie A last season ahead of AC Milan and Juventus.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will use the fixture as one of their final warm-up matches before opening the defence of their Premier League title at home against newly promoted Coventry City.
Clubs confirm first-ever meeting
In a statement announcing the fixture, Como described the match as an important test ahead of a landmark season.
“Como 1907 will travel to Emirates Stadium this summer to face Arsenal, the reigning English champions and European runners-up, in a preseason friendly scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, at 7:30 p.m. BST.”
The club added: “The match will mark the first-ever meeting between Como 1907 and Arsenal, bringing the Lariani to the magical and iconic setting of the Emirates Stadium.”
Como also highlighted the significance of facing one of Europe’s leading clubs before their Champions League debut.
“For the BiancoBlu, it will be an excellent opportunity to test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest and most consistent teams in preparation for a season that will see Como 1907 compete in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.”