Man City move as Arsenal weigh midfield bid
After France beat Sweden, William Saliba posted images with Viktor Gyokeres that fans saw as a playful dig at his Arsenal teammate, following a challenge that left the striker on the turf.
Arsenal cooled pursuit of Leicester teen Jeremy Monga over valuation after talks on a £10m-£15m deal. BBC/Athletic say Man City now advance for the 16-year-old forward, who broke records and starred for England U18s.
Arsenal passed on Sandro Tonali due to wage and fee demands as Tottenham close a £100m deal. Spurs now target Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi, long tracked by Arsenal, valued at £80m-plus.
Recap of Arsenal’s mixed free transfers: Marouane Chamakh’s fade, Willian’s unhappy stint after Chelsea, and veteran Jens Lehmann’s brief return amid a goalkeeping crisis.
Arsenal have held talks with Bruno Guimarães’ camp, saw a £55m approach rebuffed and could return at £65m. Reports claim the Newcastle midfielder is ‘swayed’, with Arteta keen to bolster midfield.
Noni Madueke says Arsenal’s standards and squad competition keep players ‘at the highest level’, with top teammates ‘biting at your heels’ ensuring constant motivation.
Marcel Desailly says ‘the door is open’ for William Saliba to join Real Madrid one day, though not now. He praises the Arsenal defender’s level while noting his long contract.
Barcelona may listen to offers for Jules Kounde. The France defender, strong at right-back and centre-back, is touted as an upgrade if Arsenal cash in on Ben White.
Arsenal have sold Jakub Kiwior to Porto after his impressive title-winning loan. The deal follows Hincapie’s arrival and adds funds as Arsenal reshape their defence.
Arsenal explore Ezri Konsa and Alex Scott, speak to Kerim Alajbegovic’s camp, and ‘advance’ plans for a ‘blockbuster’ move for Juventus star Kenan Yildiz, who could cost well over €100m.
Celtic sign 16-year-old Dundee goalkeeper Warren Lyall on his first pro deal. He trained with Arsenal in February but chooses the Hoops, with Dundee due compensation.
Santi Cazorla retires at 41. Mikel Arteta hails his legacy, saying he hopes Cazorla will ‘give much more to football’, with hints of a future role at Arsenal welcomed by fans.
Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand, once linked with Arsenal, has agreed personal terms with Atletico Madrid. Arsenal now focus on Bruno Guimarães for midfield reinforcement.
Report claims Martin Odegaard agrees terms with Galatasaray after agent talks in Istanbul. Club negotiations ongoing, target fee under €40m or long-term instalments.
Kepa Arrizabalaga asks to leave Arsenal for first-team football, with Juventus and Napoli making enquiries. Signed for £5m, he made 12 appearances as David Raya kept the No 1 spot.
Tuchel says Declan Rice has no injury, only nerve pain, after going off v DR Congo. The Arsenal midfielder should recover for England’s last-16 against Mexico, having even filled in at right-back.
Beşiktaş ramp up talks for Leandro Trossard, with Arsenal having accepted a €20m offer. No issues reported with club or player side, but decision waits until after Belgium’s World Cup campaign.
