Arsenal handed tough Champions League start as Atalanta trip sandwiched between Tottenham and Man City clashes

Arsenal have been handed a tough start in the new-look Champions League as they kick off their campaign with a trip to face current Europa League holders Atalanta next month.

The opening game has been scheduled for Thursday, September 19 and comes after the Gunners have travelled to meet arch-rivals Tottenham in the first north London derby of the new season on the previous Sunday.

They will then be in action away at Premier League title rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, three days after playing Atalanta on the Thursday night.

Arsenal entertain French giants Paris Saint-Germain at home on October 1, which will be followed by another game at the Emirates Stadium against Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk on October 22.

Arsenal have back-to-back away games against Serie A champions Inter Milan and Sporting Lisbon in November, before they finish the new league phase with Monaco and Dinamo Zagreb at home and Girona away at the end of January.

Arsenal’s Champions League fixtures

19/09 - Atalanta (A)

01/10 - PSG (H)

22/10 - Shakhtar (H)

06/11 - Inter (A)

26/11 - Sporting (A)

11/12 - Monaco (H)

22/01 - Dinamo (H)

29/01 - Girona (A)