Title defence starts at the Emirates against Coventry
The fixtures are out. Arsenal open the 2026/27 Premier League season at home to Coventry City on Saturday, August 8 (3) (6). A promoted side, at home, as defending champions, it does not get much better than that.
Then it gets real. Aston Villa away. Chelsea at home. Liverpool away by matchday ten. Leeds, Brighton, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, Everton, and Hull round out the first ten (3). The London derbies are already being circled by the fanbase.
Codina leaves for West Ham on a free
Laia Codina has signed for West Ham United. The centre-back leaves Arsenal Women at the end of her contract, heading to London rivals on a free transfer (1).
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"I'm so happy to be joining West Ham United," Codina said (1). She spent three years with Arsenal after arriving from Barcelona in 2023.
Arsenal push to lock down Kyran Thompson
Rival clubs are circling, and Arsenal know it. The club are in talks to extend Kyran Thompson's contract, with the young talent attracting interest from elsewhere (4). No agreement yet, but the intent from Arsenal's side is clear, they want him tied down.
Schlotterbeck: Havertz is unusually fast for his height
Nico Schlotterbeck has a surprising take on Kai Havertz. The Germany defender says Havertz is faster than people realise, and that his height makes it deceptive (2). "You don't expect him to move like that," Schlotterbeck said, by way of praising his international teammate.
Merino on Spain's Euro 2024: fun until the final
Mikel Merino says Spain enjoyed every minute of Euro 2024, right up until the final. "We began to feel the pressure. It was do or die," Merino reflected, looking back on the run that ended one step short (5). It is a candid admission from a player who rarely gives much away.
Ex-Arsenal academy player Shuaib lands in Germany
Zac Shuaib has a new club. The former Arsenal academy player has signed for 1. FC Saarbrücken, joining from Real Sociedad (7). The German third-division side described him as "top trained at Arsenal and Real Sociedad" (7). Another name from the Hale End production line finding his way in the professional game.
Fan reactions
The fixture drop has the fanbase buzzing. Gooners are already syncing calendars and mapping out the London derbies, with the opening-day visit of Coventry framed as the perfect curtain-raiser for a title defence. The energy is all forward-looking, champions again, and the new season cannot come soon enough. Join the discussion on r/Gunners
