Arsenal working on Cesc Fabregas return as pre-season plans finalised | OneFootball

Former player could be back at the Emirates Stadium this summer

The Gunners have opted for a more low-key set of summer fixtures, deciding against a pre-season tour to Asia or to the USA.

With the club having 15 players at the World Cup and the season starting earlier for Mikel Arteta's side due to their involvement in the Community Shield, the decision was made to stay in Europe.

The more traditional pre-season trip to another continent is expected to return next summer.

Arsenal will begin the preparations for their Premier League title defence at the start of August away at Girona, with the match set to kick off at 8pm at the Estadi Montilivi.

The club have not yet announced any pre-season fixtures in London but it is understood they are close to finalising two matches at the Emirates Stadium.

Borussia Dortmund are one of the teams being considered, while the Gunners could also face Como.

If the friendly against Italian side Como is confirmed, that would mean a return to north London for their head coach Cesc Fabregas.

Cesc Fabregas could be back at the Emirates this season

London Standard

Those two matches on home soil would fill the gap between Arsenal's match against Betis and the Community Shield on August 16.

That clash with Manchester City will take place in Cardiff rather than at Wembley, which has already been booked for The Weeknd concerts.

The serious business begins five days later for Arsenal. They begin the Premier League season at home to Coventry on Friday August 21.

If the friendly against Italian side Como is confirmed, that would mean a return to north London for their head coach Cesc Fabregas.

Those two matches on home soil would fill the gap between Arsenal's match against Betis and the Community Shield on August 16.

That clash with Manchester City will take place in Cardiff rather than at Wembley, which has already been booked for The Weeknd concerts.

The serious business begins five days later for Arsenal. They launch the start of the Premier League season at home to Coventry on Friday August 21.