Arsenal’s 2026/27 opener set, transfer moves gather pace
Freiburg’s 20-year-old Johan Manzambi, monitored by Arsenal, came on on 71 minutes and scored twice as Switzerland beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1, boosting his World Cup profile.
Arsenal prioritise a left winger and a central midfielder this summer, scouting World Cup options to boost tactical balance after winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final.
Kenan Yildiz ‘welcomes’ Arsenal interest but Juventus resist unless funds needed. Real Madrid cool on Riccardo Calafiori after Arsenal set a high valuation amid other Madrid spending.
Relegated West Ham weigh moves for Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson or Everton’s Dwight McNeil as potential replacements if Crysencio Summerville departs.
Raya reflects on being ‘broken inside’ after losing the Champions League final to PSG, then celebrating Arsenal’s Premier League title, and competing with Unai Simón for Spain’s No 1 at the World Cup.
Brazil beat Haiti 3-0. Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli impressed off the bench with sharp dribbles and chances created, but drew mixed reactions from Brazil fans over end product and consistency.
Arsenal are tracking Real Madrid left-back Alvaro Carreras, valued at about £43m, amid rival interest from Chelsea and Man Utd. Move may hinge on outgoings given current left-back depth.
Arsenal eye PSG winger Bradley Barcola, who is open to leaving for more minutes. PSG want a new deal to 2028. Morgan Rogers is priority, but Arsenal could move if Barcola becomes available.
Atlético’s Marc Pubill says Gyökeres ‘celebrated right in my face’ after Arsenal’s semi-final win and is avoiding discussing it with Spain teammates Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi during the World Cup.
Arsenal are nearing their first summer signing, described as a ‘mini Morgan Rogers’, with Arteta and Berta pushing to strengthen ahead of the title defence.
Arsenal are closing in on a £34m forward dubbed ‘Gyokeres 2.0’, with an official bid expected as they strengthen the attack for their title defence.
Arsenal prepare a bid for PSG’s Bradley Barcola to bolster the left wing. Despite back-to-back Champions League titles and being happy in Paris, PSG could sell for a significant fee.
Juventus star Kenan Yildiz viewed Arsenal as a ‘welcome destination’ but is now set to stay after promises to build around him, keep the No 10 and become vice-captain.
Arsenal are tipped to move for Tottenham youngster Elijah Upson after he opts to leave Spurs, with the forward labelled ‘special’ by reports.
Atlético would prefer selling Julian Alvarez to Arsenal or PSG rather than Barcelona, though the striker favours Barça. Arsenal await any shift in stance for their centre-forward search.
Opinion backs signing USA right-back Sergiño Dest as cover and competition, citing his dribbling, passing and attacking output with the national team amid Ben White and Timber uncertainties.
Arsenal’s opening bid for 16-year-old Leicester prospect Jeremy Monga is rejected. Player favours Arsenal after turning down a new deal, with talks expected to continue over compensation.
Arsenal monitor Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi after World Cup displays, but face competition from Barcelona, Man Utd and Real Madrid for the highly rated Moroccan midfielder.
England face Ghana with doubts over Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka’s Achilles and Declan Rice’s back. Tuchel hinted Saka may not start, with Noni Madueke impressing. Rice expected to be available.
Spurs’ £52m move for Van Hecke underlines Arsenal’s smart recruitment, with elite defenders Saliba and Gabriel assembled without appearing among the priciest centre-back deals.
Champions Arsenal open vs Coventry on 21 Aug, host Chelsea on 5 Sep, visit Liverpool on 31 Oct, host Man City on 28 Nov. December includes Spurs away, Man United home. Finish vs Brighton on 30 May.
On Dennis Bergkamp’s signing anniversary, Arsenal reflect on his 120 goals, 3 titles, 3 FA Cups and transformative role under Wenger, with his legacy marked by a statue at Emirates.
Review of Arsenal’s 2025/26 title win: key wins over Spurs, City draw, Rice’s late heroics and a five-game run-in surge sealed the Premier League after a 22-year wait.
