Emirates Cup: Dortmund 3–2 Arsenal
Guimaraes was paraded before kickoff. Then your team lost 3–2 to Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup final on Sunday (3) (4) (10). That is back-to-back pre-season defeats. The new season starts August 21 against Coventry. Less than two weeks to find rhythm.
Guimaraes unveiled, Arteta calls him a warrior
Bruno Guimaraes arrived. The £75m signing from Newcastle was presented at the Emirates ahead of the Dortmund match (2) (3) (7) (8). Arteta did not hold back: "I think he describes himself as a warrior. He's a warrior with tremendous qualities as well and intuition, leadership and charisma that are going to help us. That is going to really ignite something different in the team. I'm delighted to have him" (2). His likely debut comes against Como.
Timber and Saliba both out for season start
Jurrien Timber is still weeks away from returning. "He's on the pitch, he's doing quite a lot right now, but it's still weeks away. I cannot tell you how much," Arteta said after the Dortmund loss (1). William Saliba is in rest mode with a back injury: "He had to do almost nothing, don't aggravate the injury. It's going to take some time to heal" (1). Both defenders will miss the opener against Coventry.
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Tzolis turning heads in pre-season
New signing Christos Tzolis has impressed Arteta with his physical output. "His workload is incredible," the manager said (12). The Greek forward is pushing for a serious role, and there are suggestions internally that his form could push Gabriel Martinelli down the pecking order after the Brazilian's declining output last season.
Gabriel Jesus could follow Trossard to Besiktas
Besiktas already bought Leandro Trossard this summer. Now they want Gabriel Jesus too, reportedly for around £20m (6). Arsenal are open to selling. It would continue a significant reshaping of the forward line.
Barcola contact, Vinicius and Rogers pursuits fizzle
Arsenal have made contact over PSG winger Bradley Barcola, per transfer gossip (14). But the window has its disappointments too: the club pushed for Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers, and neither move materialized (7). Guimaraes and Tzolis are in. The question is whether the squad is deep enough for a title push.
Guardian writers back Arsenal for the title
The Guardian's season preview has Arsenal finishing 1st (5). The pressure is on. Coventry at home, August 21.
Fan reactions
Fans are restless about Timber's timeline, with many reading between the lines of Arteta's "weeks away" comment and bracing for a longer absence. Arteta's hint at more signings is keeping hope alive in the market, while Tzolis is getting a warm welcome after his debut. On the loan front, Charles Sagoe Jr is quietly putting up numbers in Sweden: 4 goals and 9 assists in 18 games for Kalmar FF. See the full discussion here.
