Bruno bid rejected as insulting, Arsenal dig in
Arsenal had an opening bid for Bruno Guimaraes thrown out by Newcastle, dismissed as an insult (1). The offer was around £55m. Newcastle are not budging, and the situation is turning into the saga the club wanted to avoid this summer after losing Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Sandro Tonali (3).
Your club's interest is not going away. Football Insider reports Arsenal will intensify the pursuit, and there is already a dispute over whether Guimaraes has a release clause in his deal (3). Newcastle see him as the heartbeat of the team. Losing three stars of that calibre in one window would be brutal for them (3).
The question now is whether Arsenal meet an £80m valuation. Guimaraes is 28, and that price tag raises real questions about value (7).
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Kepa wants out
Kepa Arrizabalaga has told Arsenal he wants to leave (2). The Chelsea loanee needs regular football and does not see a path to it behind David Raya. It leaves your backup goalkeeper spot open ahead of the new season.
De Maesschalck named academy director
The search for Per Mertesacker's successor is over. Pascal De Maesschalck joins as Academy Director on August 1, arriving from Strasbourg (5). He previously built Club Brugge's youth setup.
Andrea Berta called it: "He brings extensive experience from several major European clubs and has an excellent track record in various youth academies. We are excited to have him as we continue to build for the future" (5).
Trossard close to Besiktas agreement
Leandro Trossard is nearing personal terms with Besiktas (10). One of the forwards signed to make a difference may be on his way out.
Hamburg cannot afford Vieira's £20m clause
Fabio Vieira spent the season on loan at Hamburg, but the German club is struggling to trigger the £20m option to buy (9). His future is unsettled.
Konsa valued at £35m, Villa fans laugh
Arsenal believe they can sign Ezri Konsa for £35m (4). Aston Villa supporters are not taking it seriously. That figure gets you nowhere near the England international in this market.
Tonali cost too much, so Spurs got him
Arsenal allowed Sandro Tonali to join Tottenham because the overall financial package was too steep (11). The club walked away, and your rivals pounced.
Rice playing through nerve pain
Declan Rice will start for England against Mexico on Sunday night despite nerve pain affecting his lower back and hamstring (6). Thomas Tuchel asked him late, and Rice replied he could do it for the team but was in terrible pain (6). Arsenal fans watching will be holding their breath.
Arteta says goodbye to Cazorla
Santi Cazorla has retired. Mikel Arteta sent an emotional message to his former teammate (8). Cazorla was one of the most gifted midfielders to wear the shirt.
A €60m move in the works?
Spanish outlet Fichajes reports Arsenal are preparing a €60m move, but the report is light on specifics (13). No name, no club. Worth a bookmark, nothing more.
Fan-reaktioner
The Rice news has fans split between pride and panic. A nerve issue in the lower back and hamstring is not something that clears up with a painkiller, and supporters are questioning why England are risking him with a last-16 spot secured (Reddit). The Morgan Rogers discussion also sparked debate after he laughed off his £130m valuation, while the academy appointment drew quiet optimism about the club's long-term thinking.
