Arsenal 1–3 Real Betis in Dublin
Your team fell apart in the second half. Mikel Arteta used 25 players in the pre-season finale against Betis, and the scoreline showed it (3). Riquelme, Nelson Deossa, and Pablo Fornals all scored for the Spanish side. Christos Tzolis got your goal.
Isco played 45 minutes for Betis, dictating tempo in a comeback performance (14). Arteta did not hide his frustration: "Well, the important part is to win it, and we didn't manage to win it, so disappointed obviously for the result. It's true we used 25 players, so you need to give a bit of context to the game" (3).
Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, Max Dowman, Louie Copley, and Piero Hincapie all featured across the two halves.
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Vinicius signs until 2032, door slams shut
It is over. Vinicius Junior has signed a new contract at Real Madrid through 2032, ending any hope of a summer move to the Emirates (6) (11). Madrid confirmed the extension on Thursday alongside the signing of Yan Diomande (11). Arsenal had been heavily linked with the Brazilian forward throughout the window.
Bruno Guimaraes talks advancing
Newcastle are in advanced negotiations with Arsenal over Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports (10). The Brazilian midfielder has been a long-term target. Newcastle are already working on a replacement, with a mystery deal said to be close (12).
Romero interest, but Spurs unwilling to sell
Arsenal are pushing hard for Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero, but Spurs have no intention of selling to their north London rivals (1) (2). Atletico Madrid are also watching the situation.
With Romero looking like a non-starter, Arsenal have been linked with Ezri Konsa and John Stones as alternatives amid possible uncertainty around William Saliba (2). Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi are also on the radar (2).
Chelsea want Zubimendi, Alonso pushing
Xabi Alonso has told Chelsea he wants to work with Martin Zubimendi (5). The Spanish midfielder is considered one of Arsenal's most valuable players, and the club are unlikely to entertain a sale. Alonso's interest makes this one to watch.
Norgaard explains his exit
Christian Norgaard has opened up on leaving Arsenal for Everton. "I felt I needed a change and to play a bigger football role," he said. "When I spoke to David Moyes and others at the club involved in the transfer, I heard about the whole project and I was very intrigued" (7). He spent just one season at the Emirates.
Scouts sent for Kaua Elias
Arsenal and Manchester United both sent scouts to watch young forward Kaua Elias (15). No bid yet, but the interest is registered.
Fan reactions
The fanbase is split. Some see the Betis defeat as meaningless pre-season experimentation with 25 players used. Others are rattled by the Vinicius news, with the Alvarez-to-Arsenal rumour now dominating the subreddit. Read the full thread here.
