Ben White on Everton's radar
Everton are considering a move for Ben White (8). The Arsenal defender has struggled with fitness issues, and your club appear open to reshaping the backline this summer. Everton also have Tottenham's Pedro Porro on their shortlist, but White is firmly in the conversation. No bid yet, just concrete interest.
Meslier arrives, Setford heads out on loan
Illan Meslier is at Arsenal's Sobha Realty training ground today completing his medical ahead of a free transfer from Leeds (1) (2) (13). His contract expired this summer, so no fee involved. The Frenchman slots in as third-choice behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Tommy Setford, 20, will go out on loan once Meslier signs, giving the academy keeper proper minutes elsewhere (2).
Merino ends Ronaldo's World Cup
Mikel Merino came off the bench and scored in added time. Spain 1–0 Portugal, and Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup is over (5). Your midfielder delivered the decisive moment to send Spain into the quarter-finals. He was in the right place at the right time, and Portugal had no answer.
Get the next Arsenal FC brief by email
This article went out to subscribers as a brief. Get the next one straight to your inbox, free.
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Guimaraes bid going up
Arsenal are preparing an improved offer for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes after an initial bid was rejected (9). The Brazil midfielder is a long-term target, and your club are not backing down. Newcastle will not make it easy, but Mikel Arteta clearly wants him in midfield.
Villa want £130m for Rogers
Morgan Rogers is your club's top attacking target, but Aston Villa plan to start negotiations at £130m (6) (11). BBC Sport confirmed Rogers is the priority signing this summer (11). That asking price would smash Arsenal's transfer record. Bradley Barcola is the alternative, and a PSG agreement elsewhere could open that door (14).
Wan-Bissaka linked as right-back cover
With White's fitness uncertain and Jurrien Timber sometimes needed centrally, Arsenal are looking at West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka as a defensive right-back option (10). Nothing advanced yet, but the interest is genuine.
Barcelona watching Saliba
Barcelona are monitoring William Saliba (12). Joan Laporta reportedly sees the French centre-back as a dream signing. No approach yet, and there is no indication Arsenal would entertain selling. But the noise is there.
Aubameyang lands in Turkey
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has signed for Turkish Süper Lig side Çorum FK (15). The former Arsenal captain, now 37, moves on a free transfer. A long way from the Emirates.
Fan reactions
The mood among supporters is split between excitement over Rogers and frustration at that £130m price tag. The Meslier signing has landed well, with fans tracking the medical updates at Sobha Realty in real time. Plenty of pride too in Arsenal's World Cup assist leaders, Saka and Odegaard both on three, trailing only Bruno Guimaraes on four. Full discussion here