Arsenal await World Cup stars, Hull sign Elliot Stroud
Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot delayed their AC Milan returns after France’s World Cup campaign, with fatigue cited amid transfer speculation.
Real Madrid’s final five World Cup players, including Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, returned to training, giving Jose Mourinho his full squad before the 22 August league opener.
World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf backed Arsenal to retain the Premier League title, saying Saliba and Gabriel make them 'stronger than anybody else' before the new season.
Hull signed Sweden winger Elliot Stroud from Mjallby for £3.5m. He featured four times at the 2026 World Cup and joined on a four-year deal.
Somali referee Omar Artan said missing the World Cup after being refused entry to the US was a ‘very tough period’, as he prepares to make history in the Uefa Super Cup.
Uefa, Concacaf and the AFC accused Fifa and Gianni Infantino of ‘deception’ and a ‘fundamental breach of trust’ over a failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.
Arteta said Jurrien Timber is still weeks away and William Saliba needs rest, but Arsenal’s World Cup players, including Saka and Rice, will return to training this week.
Arsenal want at least €90m for World Cup winner Martin Zubimendi amid interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea, despite only signing the Spain midfielder last summer.
Dietmar Hamann said it is a ‘big ask’ for Harry Kane to play at the 2030 World Cup, despite England’s captain scoring six goals at this summer’s tournament.
Manchester City’s World Cup players, including Haaland, Doku and Rodri, are due back before the Community Shield, with Haaland expected to start against Arsenal.
Barcelona want at least €65m from PSG for Ferran Torres after Spain’s World Cup final hero pushed for a summer move and reportedly agreed personal terms with the French club.
Barcelona admire Aymeric Laporte after his World Cup displays and are monitoring him as they look to replace Ronald Araujo, with Castello Lukeba, Cristian Romero, William Saliba and Lucas Herrington also on Deco’s list.
Rodri’s World Cup-winning displays have fuelled transfer talk over moves to Barcelona or Real Madrid, or a stay at Manchester City.
