Arsenal are set to undergo a late pre-season as the Gunners begin preparations for their Premier League title defence.Mikel Arteta’s side ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League last season and will start as favourites to defend their crown.Arsenal have opted for a packed mini pre-season this summer. The North Londoners are keen to hand those involved in this summer’s World Cup substantial rest, with Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, David Raya, and William Saliba all reaching the tournament’s final weekend.As a result, Arsenal will play their first official pre-season fixture against Girona on August 1st. The Gunners follow that with a clash against Real Betis, before facing Borussia Dortmund and Como in the Emirates Cup.Those games proceed the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 16th. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Arsenal pre-season fixtures and scheduleAugust 1: Girona vs Arsenal – Girona, 7pmAugust 5: Arsenal vs Real Betis – Dublin, 7.30pmAugust 9: Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund – Emirates Stadium, 2pmAugust 12: Arsenal vs Como – Emirates Stadium, 7.30pmAugust 16: Community Shield – Arsenal vs Man City, Cardiff, 3pmRead – Arsenal look at Kroupi as Julian Alvarez alternativeSee more – Arsenal ready to bid for Aston Villa’s Morgan RogersFollow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTokThe post Arsenal pre-season fixtures and summer schedule first appeared on The Football Faithful.