Alvarez jeered by his own fans
Julian Alvarez got a rough reception on Sunday. Atletico Madrid fans jeered the striker during the 2–2 La Liga draw with Villarreal, and some told him to leave (5) (12). Marc Pubill was also involved. That hostility is exactly the kind of thing that opens a door for Arsenal.
Gyokeres plus cash for Alvarez
The reports are getting louder. Arsenal could offer Viktor Gyokeres plus cash to land Alvarez (2). There is also talk Atletico Madrid have made a decision on the striker amid Arsenal's interest (4). And a Danish report says Alvarez has been convinced about a move after talks with Mikel Arteta (9). Barcelona looked in the race, but one report says they are losing out, which opens the Arsenal option (3).
Injury update
Bruno Guimaraes, Jurrien Timber and William Saliba. The latest on all three injuries and return dates is out (1). Keep an eye on Timber, with Aston Villa away coming up on August 31.
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Martinelli and Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal want Gabriel Martinelli. The Saudi club have opened talks with Arsenal over the winger (7). Get this one right: Martinelli's future affects how the Alvarez deal shapes up.
Arsenal Women beat Paris FC
Olivia Smith won it late. Arsenal Women beat Paris FC 1–0 in a pre-season friendly on Sunday, Smith scoring in stoppage time (6). Renee Slegers' side also saw Vivienne Lia depart for Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday, a permanent transfer for the 19-year-old winger (6).
Seaman picks Liverpool
David Seaman sees Liverpool as Arsenal's biggest title challenger (13). His reasoning: we have not yet seen Liverpool with their new manager and new players. Coventry were beaten 3–0 in the opener on August 21, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka among the standouts (12) (13).
Fan reactions
The Martinelli to Al-Hilal story is the big talking point. Fans are split on the reported fee, with one pointing to an offer of up to £47 million that Arsenal have not accepted, and another reporting club-to-club talks with the Saudis willing to pay over €45m. The mood is cautious, nobody wants to see a key winger leave on the cheap. See the discussion
