Arsenal are back in north London for the final part of their 2025–26 preparations, and they take on Villarreal at the Emirates on Wednesday evening.
The Gunners’ preseason tour of the Far East concluded on a bitter note, as they were beaten 1–0 by Tottenham Hotspur in the first-ever North London Derby played overseas. Previously, Mikel Arteta’s side had edged out AC Milan and Newcastle United 1–0 and 3–2, respectively.
There’s been plenty of personnel turnover within Arteta’s ranks this summer, and for many local supporters, this will be there first chance to catch several new faces in action.
Villarreal are preparing for their return to the Champions League in 2025–26 after finishing fifth in La Liga last season. However, the Yellow Submarine, who have an impressive head-to-head record against Arsenal, have lost two of the players key to their success in Thierno Barry and Alex Baena.
Their preseason has so far been littered with draws, and they were held by Leeds United at Elland Road last time out.
Here is’s guide to this friendly clash.
