Cesc Fàbregas returns to Arsenal as Como manager for pre-season friendly

A nostalgic homecoming for a Gunners icon

Cesc Fàbregas, the legendary former Arsenal captain, will make an emotional return to the Emirates Stadium this summer—this time as head coach of Italian side Como. The friendly match, scheduled for Wednesday 12 August at 19:30 BST, gives the Spanish midfielder a chance to revisit the club where he made his professional debut in 2003. Fàbregas spent eight years at Arsenal, becoming a fan favourite before moving to Barcelona. Now, he leads his Serie A outfit onto the pitch where he once orchestrated countless victories.

A historic first meeting in north London

Although Fàbregas shares deep ties with both clubs, Arsenal and Como have never faced each other in any competition. This pre-season friendly will be their first encounter, generating excitement among supporters on both sides. The Italian club is eager to test its squad against Mikel Arteta’s formidable side, who are the reigning English Premier League champions and recent Champions League finalists. “Como 1907 will travel to the Emirates Stadium this summer to face Arsenal,” the club confirmed. “This match marks the very first meeting between Como 1907 and Arsenal, offering the Lariani the chance to experience the magical atmosphere of the Emirates.”

Champions League preparations for Como

Como qualified for European football’s top competition in spectacular fashion last season, finishing in the top four of Serie A ahead of giants like AC Milan and Juventus. To remain competitive, the club invested heavily, spending €60 million to retain star playmaker Nico Paz, who was on loan from Real Madrid. “For the BiancoBlu, this will be an excellent opportunity to measure themselves against one of Europe’s strongest and most consistent teams, ahead of a season that sees Como 1907 compete in the UEFA Champions League for the first time,” the club added. Ticket details for the general admission match will be announced via official channels.

Intense preparations for the 2026-27 season

The timing of the friendly is ideal for both squads: it falls ten days before Como begin their Serie A campaign away at Udinese, and just nine days before Arsenal start their Premier League title defence at home to Coventry City. The Gunners will use the match to sharpen their attacking edge, aiming for another dominant domestic season. While the Emirates crowd will surely give Fàbregas a hero’s welcome, once the whistle blows, all eyes will be on whether his Como side can hold their own against the English heavyweights.