Arsenal Set to Host Athletic Club in Emirates Cup as Summer Plans Take Shape

Arsenal will welcome Athletic Club to the Emirates Stadium this summer for what promises to be a highly anticipated fixture in the 2025 Emirates Cup, with the match set for Saturday, August 9 at 5pm. The LaLiga side, who finished last season strong and are known for their distinct Basque-only player policy, will bring flair and intensity to north London — along with a familiar name in Nico Williams, whose recent contract renewal kept him out of Arsenal’s grasp in the transfer market.

This will be Arsenal’s second fixture in the Emirates Cup this summer, following their earlier matchup against Villarreal on Wednesday, August 6 at 6pm, also at the Emirates. Both games will serve as valuable tune-ups for Mikel Arteta’s side ahead of the 2025–26 Premier League campaign.

Emirates Cup 2025: A Tradition of Top-Class Tests

The Emirates Cup has become a staple of Arsenal’s pre-season calendar, giving fans a first look at new signings, tactical tweaks, and returning stars. With top-quality opposition lined up in Villarreal and Athletic Club, the Gunners are set to face two sides who will offer vastly different tests.

Athletic Club, in particular, bring a compelling narrative to the tie. Arsenal had long been linked with Nico Williams, the explosive Spanish winger who shone for both club and country last season. His new 10-year deal with the Basque side put an end to transfer speculation, but fans will still get the chance to see him up close in what could be a fiery contest, especially given his links to north London.

Asian Tour Sets the Stage

Before returning to London for these home fixtures, Arsenal will embark on a high-profile pre-season tour of Asia, with matches scheduled against some of the biggest names in European football:

• July 23: Arsenal vs. AC Milan in Singapore

• July 27: Arsenal vs. Newcastle United in Hong Kong

• July 31: Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur, also in Hong Kong

This tour marks a strategic expansion into growing football markets, while also allowing the squad to test itself against tough competition. The match against Spurs is particularly notable — a pre-season North London Derby is rare and could provide an early psychological boost heading into the season.

Squad Preparation and Fan Anticipation

Arsenal’s summer schedule appears well-balanced, combining marquee fixtures, global outreach, and strong home send-offs before competitive action resumes. Fans will be eager to see how new signings integrate, how academy stars perform under pressure, and how Arteta adjusts following a close title race last season.

These matches also offer a chance to sharpen match fitness, fine-tune formations, and test depth — all crucial for a team aiming to challenge on multiple fronts next season.

Final Word

With fixtures locked in across Asia and back home at the Emirates, Arsenal’s summer plans are ambitious and high-profile. The visit of Athletic Club and Nico Williams adds extra spice to the Emirates Cup, and supporters won’t want to miss a moment as the Gunners build toward another thrilling campaign.