Pearce: Rice can win games on his own
Stuart Pearce has challenged Declan Rice to find another gear at this summer's World Cup. The England legend believes Arsenal's midfield powerhouse has the physical tools and technical ability to dominate matches single-handedly, but wants more. "With Dec, you think he could win a game on his own, because of his physical prowess, his ability on the ball, and you're thinking: 'Maybe he could do a little bit more'," Pearce said (5) (6). High praise with a sharp edge, the kind that should fire Rice up.
Real Madrid circling Calafiori
Fabrizio Romano confirms Real Madrid made contact with Riccardo Calafiori's agents a few weeks ago (2) (3). No official approach to Arsenal yet, but Spanish outlet Bernabeu Digital claims the club are willing to listen to offers (2). Losing your best left-sided defender to Madrid would sting, especially after a title-winning season.
United ready to outbid for Olmo
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to outbid Arsenal for Barcelona's Dani Olmo, with the Spanish attacker said to welcome a move to Old Trafford (1). Olmo has been a long-standing target for Arteta's setup. This one looks like it could slip away.
Sheringham: Alexander-Arnold built for Arsenal
Teddy Sheringham has backed Trent Alexander-Arnold as a perfect fit for Arsenal. "If you put Trent in an organised, structured back four, and they work as a unit, that's what playing in a team like Arsenal is all about," the former England striker said (4). The Real Madrid defender remains a talking point among pundits.
Fan reactions
Arsenal's wild 2–3 loss to Manchester United has been voted the best Premier League match of the 2025/26 season. Plenty of Gooners are still picking over the wounds from that one. On a brighter note, the subreddit is celebrating Kai Havertz's birthday with a compilation of every goal he's scored for the club, and Caitlin Foord extending her stay has the Arsenal Women faithful buzzing. Full discussion here
