Your title defence starts at Coventry
Arsenal's Premier League title defence opens against Coventry City next month. The last time these two met in the league was 2001, a 1–0 win at Highbury with goals from Dennis Bergkamp (5). Arsene Wenger's line that day included David Seaman, Tony Adams, Lee Dixon, and Robert Pires. Frank Lampard was in the Coventry midfield. Wenger said afterwards: "The most important thing was to concentrate on this game and it's my credit to my staff that we did" (5).
Coventry are back in the top flight for the first time in more than two decades. The fixture list has done your team a favour. Opening day at a promoted side, three points expected.
Community Shield set for August 16
Your next competitive match is the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 16 at Wembley (6). City beat you to the trophy in 2023. Leandro Trossard scored an equaliser deep into stoppage time that day before City won on penalties. Erling Haaland and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to feature this time around (6).
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Vinicius wants Madrid, not Arsenal
The noise around Vinicius Junior has been loud all weekend but the player's camp is clear. He wants to extend at Real Madrid (1) (16). Arsenal, Liverpool, and others have been linked with massive contract offers (3) (10) (12) (15). The Telegraph reports finance would not be a barrier for your club (12). It does not matter. Vinicius is not moving.
Arsenal made exploratory contacts but Vinicius prioritises staying where he is (16). Real Madrid have reportedly given permission for talks, with part of any fee going to the player as a bonus (3). The whole saga feels like leverage for his Madrid renewal.
Donczew deal done
Fabrizio Romano with the "here we go." Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign 16-year-old Axel Donczew from Cardiff City (4). The winger became Cardiff's youngest-ever player in the EFL Trophy in October 2025. Medical completed. He signs this week. One for the academy.
Arteta could become the league's top earner
Arsenal are ready to open contract talks with Mikel Arteta that would make him the highest-paid manager in the Premier League (2). Fresh off the title and a Champions League final run, the club want to lock him down. No figures yet, but the intent is serious.
Barcola at £145m, Bruno Guimaraes in the pipeline
PSG value Bradley Barcola at £145m. Both Arsenal and Liverpool are interested (13) (14). That is a steep number. Bruno Guimaraes is also on the radar, with talks expected to accelerate (14).
Nelson decision looms
Reiss Nelson has one year left on his deal. Sell him this summer or risk losing him for nothing in 2027 (9). Andrea Berta faces a call that gets harder the longer it waits.
Cozier-Duberry bid rejected
Brighton turned down a £5m offer from Anderlecht for former Arsenal academy product Amario Cozier-Duberry (8). The winger left last summer and is now valued higher by his new club.
Fan reactions
The Vinicius links have split the fanbase. Some are buzzing at the ambition, others are sceptical about the sourcing and see it as a contract play. The rumour about Madrid green-lighting talks and ceding part of the fee drew particular doubt, with one supporter calling it hard to believe (3). Meanwhile, pre-season excitement is building ahead of the Girona friendly. Join the discussion
