Bukayo Saka [Daniela-Porcelli/SPP]

IT feels like Arsenal were only crowned champions a picosecond ago, but already football fans are bracing themselves for the release of the 2026/27 Premier League fixtures.

Clubs find out their fixture fate tomorrow (Friday) at 10am. The action is due to return on Saturday, August 22 – a week later than last term due to the World Cup.

The Gunners return to competitive action a week earlier when they take on Manchester City in the FA Community Shield on August 16, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff – with Wembley being unavailable due to a series of concerts.

One player roaring and ready to go is Bukayo Saka, who says winning the Premier League has given him “even more hunger” to achieve further success.

Speaking to the media ahead of England’s opening World Cup game against Croatia last night (Wednesday), the winger said: “When you have that success and you taste it, you want to do it again. It can go two ways but when I speak for myself, I’d say it’s definitely made me want to do it again and come into this tournament with even more hunger.”

Saka endured a stuttering season in Arsenal colours due to injury, with coaches now managing his minutes as he continues to recover from hip and achilles issues.

Arsenal’s loss at the back end of last season, however, could be England’s gain.

The 24-year-old explained: “What I would say is that between Mikel [Arteta] and the Arsenal medical team and Thomas [Tuchel] and the England medical team, since March they have managed me amazingly and helped me get back on the pitch and do what I can for the team.

“I’m feeling better than I have felt in the last few months and I’m ready to go. I’m feeling a lot better than I did in March. I’m so excited.”

One way or another, England will be turning to Arsenal for their threat down the right-wing, with Noni Madueke set to challenge Gunners teammate Saka for a starting place throughout the tournament.

“It’s quite unique, two players that play in the same position to be as close as we are,” said Saka, as he painted a picture of genuine unity over rivalry.

“I don’t really know how it works but it works.

“Noni is like my brother on and off the pitch. We push each other and we speak every day.

“We have that mutual respect for each other and we want each other to do well.

“The good thing is that we play on the same team, and that if one of us is doing well it is good for the other.”