Dowman runs the show, Tzolis scores on debut
Pre-season started with a bang. Arsenal beat Girona 4–1 on Saturday, and 16-year-old Max Dowman was at the heart of it, a goal, an assist, and the kind of performance that makes you sit up (3) (10). New signing Christos Tzolis needed no time at all, scoring on his debut (6) (8). Kai Havertz, Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard all featured in Spain (3).
Mikel Arteta did not hide his excitement about Dowman afterwards: "That's what we want when you play for Arsenal. Expectations should be high and should be expecting really good things. We know what he's capable of doing" (3).
Bruno Guimaraes arriving, medical set for Monday
This one is happening. Bruno Guimaraes is joining from Newcastle for a fee of up to €93.5 million, with his medical booked Monday (2) (7). The Brazilian midfielder is your first major signing of the summer and a serious statement from the champions.
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Arteta smirks at the Vini question
Vinicius Junior's return to Real Madrid has been delayed until Monday, which only pours fuel on the fire (11). After the Girona match, multiple reporters pressed Arteta about the Brazilian. The response? A smirk (3) (16). Some outlets in Spain are already naming a price, and the noise from England suggests Arsenal believe they are well positioned (14) (15). Monday could get loud.
Norgaard on his way to Everton
Christian Norgaard is close to joining Everton, with former Everton defender Tony Hibbert calling the prospective midfield "frightening" (1). A double medical has reportedly been booked, one for Bruno Guimaraes arriving, one for Norgaard departing (9).
United eye Lewis-Skelly
Manchester United are considering a move for Myles Lewis-Skelly, targeting the left-back who can also operate in midfield (4) (5). Nothing concrete yet, but United are reportedly planning a raid.
Godts deal could be hijacked
Arsenal and Liverpool have been given a chance to hijack Mika Godts' move to Paris Saint-Germain (17). The Ajax winger looked set for France, but the door is not closed.
Welbeck joins Chelsea
Former Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has signed for Chelsea from Brighton, returning to the top of the Premier League at 35 (18).
Fan reactions
The mood is buzzing. Arteta's smirk when asked about Vinicius has fans convinced something is in motion, one reporter asked point-blank "So, when's Vini joining?" and got nothing but a grin in return. On the Tzolis front, Arteta told supporters "I think you're going to love the player" and praised his directness, which has gone down well. Norgaard's expected departure is drawing warm tributes too, with fans calling him a leader behind the scenes. See the full Vini thread here.
