Treble winners Manchester City will kick off their 2023-24 season against Arsenal on August 6 in the Community Shield, the traditional curtain-raiser to the Premier League season, England's Football Association (FA) said on Friday.

Arsenal and Manchester City are in a close battle for the Premier League title this season but the north London club's manager, Mikel Arteta, said that will not affect his friendship with his counterpart Pep Guardiola.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on Thursday said he was well aware of Mikel Arteta's quality long before he led Arsenal to the top of the Premier League, lauding the north London team for keeping faith in his former assistant.