Gabriel goes the full 90 in World Cup opener
Brazil drew 1–1 with Morocco on Saturday, and Gabriel Magalhaes played every minute. Your centre-back made his World Cup debut and looked solid throughout (2). Gabriel Martinelli was also in the matchday squad.
That is the first of 15 Arsenal players at this tournament. Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Martin Odegaard, David Raya, Leandro Trossard, Piero Hincapie, Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, and Kieran Tierney are all set to feature in the coming days (1).
Germany face Egypt today, with Havertz expected to start. England's group campaign with Rice, Saka, Eze, and Madueke begins Tuesday against Croatia (1).
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Saliba back in training for France
William Saliba returned to training with France on Saturday ahead of their World Cup campaign (5). He had been carrying an injury but is now fit. France open their tournament against Senegal on Wednesday (1).
Bouaddi talks heat up after Morocco showing
Ayyoub Bouaddi impressed for Morocco against Brazil, and the interest is real. Arsenal, Liverpool, and PSG have all made contact with Lille over the 18-year-old midfielder (3) (4) (9).
Bouaddi himself is staying quiet. "For the moment, I am only focused on the World Cup and I cannot answer to this right now," he said after the Brazil draw (6).
Brentford try to hijack Monga deal
Arsenal are close to signing Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga, but Brentford want to crash the party. They are attempting to hijack the move (7) (8). The deal is not over the line yet.
Heinze staying put
Gabriel Heinze will remain at Arsenal. Elche were interested in bringing him in as manager but have appointed Martin Anselmi instead (10). The former Manchester United defender stays on Arteta's staff.
Tzolis wants Arsenal move
Christos Tzolis has spoken directly with Mikel Arteta and is hoping Arsenal make a move. The Greek winger, currently at Club Brugge, wants the transfer to happen (11) (12).
Alex Scott also on the radar
Arsenal and Manchester United are both tracking Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. Bournemouth are reluctant to sell (13).
Fan reactions
The mood in the subreddits is buoyant. David Raya gave an interview reflecting on a "successful year" with Arsenal, winning the Premier League and a third Golden Glove, adding he wants the Spain starting spot but respects whatever Unai Simón decides. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz scored and took Man of the Match in Germany's 7–1 demolition of Curaçao, which has fans buzzing about him carrying that form into the tournament. Read the Raya thread here.
