Ona Batlle signs for Arsenal on a free
Arsenal Women have landed Ona Batlle from Barcelona on a free transfer (1). The Spain international, fresh from winning the World Cup, said the timing was right: "I am at a good age to come back to the WSL. It was the perfect timing for me to join Arsenal to try to win everything and it is an important year because there is the World Cup at the end" (1). An experienced, decorated full-back who immediately raises the WSL title push.
Vinicius Jr: Arsenal have made their move
Arsenal have made an inquiry for Vinicius Junior (8). Real Madrid want around €160m for the Brazilian winger, which would shatter the British transfer record (9). Arteta is described as determined to land him, and a salary offer plan has reportedly emerged (2). The catch: Vinicius would arrive on wages that risk breaking a structure housing Saka, Rice, Saliba and Ødegaard (8). Real Madrid are already lining up RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande as a potential replacement (10).
Tzolis in, Trossard out for net £19m
Arsenal have signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m, with Leandro Trossard heading the other way for £15m (3). Net spend: £19m for a younger attacker who fits the profile Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta want. A tidy piece of business that makes Chelsea's negotiating look blunt by comparison (3).
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Rodrygo could become available
Real Madrid have made Rodrygo available if they manage to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig (4). Arsenal have tracked Rodrygo long-term and remain interested. Madrid's Diomande bid has now increased (10), so watch this space.
Barcelona suspect Alvarez is using them
Barcelona believe Julian Alvarez is leveraging their interest to get a bigger salary offer from Arsenal (5). Nothing concrete yet, but it suggests talks between Arsenal and Alvarez's camp are active.
Martinelli not pushing for the exit
Gabriel Martinelli is happy at Arsenal and will only consider leaving for a genuinely good opportunity (6). At 25, with the club reigning champions, he has little reason to force a move.
Fan reactions
The Vinicius news has split the fanbase. Some see a world-class talent who would elevate the attack; others worry about the wage structure and whether a player who views Arsenal as a "sidewards step" from Madrid is the right fit. The club's official pre-season Q&A from Girona has landed too, with supporters flooding the thread with questions for the squad. Join the discussion.
