Gyokeres runs the show in Sweden's 5–1 opener
Viktor Gyokeres scored and assisted as Sweden dismantled Tunisia 5–1 in their World Cup opener Sunday (4). Your striker looked sharp, decisive, and ready. Alexander Isak, his partner up front, laid out the thinking afterwards: "We are supposed to be the difference. When the two of us play together, it doesn't mean that we have to play a certain way. The most important thing is that we contribute to the team" (10).
Sweden's group also includes Germany, Curacao, Ecuador, Côte d'Ivoire, Japan, and the Netherlands (4).
Saka: "I'm feeling better than I have in the last few months"
Bukayo Saka has been playing through an Achilles injury since March (7). England's World Cup opener against Croatia is Wednesday, and Saka is not hiding from the risk.
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"I don't want to say anything that goes against the manager, but what I would say is between Mikel, the Arsenal medical team, Thomas and the England medical team, they've managed me amazingly. They've helped me get back on the pitch to do what I can for the team and I'm feeling better than I have in the last few months, and I'm ready to go" (6).
The BBC reports Saka will keep gambling with his fitness for England (3).
There is also a question over whether Noni Madueke starts ahead of him against Croatia (1).
Timber and Raya check in from World Cup camp
Jurrien Timber spoke about his injury recovery, and David Raya discussed his role in the Spain setup as World Cup camps opened this week (6). William Saliba is back training with France ahead of their campaign.
Forest join the chase for Fabio Vieira
Nottingham Forest have entered the race for Fabio Vieira, who is expected to leave Arsenal this summer (5). Hamburg were already in the frame. No fee has been reported.
Bouaddi gets the Rooney comparison
Andy Brassell on Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old Lille midfielder Arsenal are tracking: "He's fantastic. He's not the same player as Wayne Rooney, obviously, but I think you get a little bit of that Wayne Rooney or Jude Bellingham feel for him. In terms of how he's physically built, it says on his birth certificate that he's a boy, but he looks like a man immediately" (8).
Liverpool and PSG are also in the picture.
Tonali race now includes Tottenham
Tottenham have joined Manchester City and Arsenal in the hunt for Sandro Tonali, who is expected to leave Newcastle this summer (12). De Zerbi reportedly sees him as a statement signing.
Gibbs-White attracts a crowd
Morgan Gibbs-White, left out of England's World Cup squad, is being watched by Manchester United, Chelsea, City, Tottenham, and Arsenal (11). No bids yet, just eyes.
Rojas walks away
Young goalkeeper Alexei Rojas turned down a new contract offer and has left Arsenal as a free agent (9).
Champions League final shirts break records
The shirts worn by PSG players in the Champions League final against Arsenal raised a record sum at auction (2). A footnote, but a reminder of the stage your team reached.
Fan-reaktioner
The mood in the fan threads is split between pride in Saliba's swagger and tension over Saka's fitness. A clip of Saliba declaring he did more at his childhood club AS Bondy than a certain unnamed player has fans loving the confidence, the Reddit thread is full of laughing reactions. On Saka, the relief is cautious, his quotes about feeling better are being shared widely, but the Achilles news has supporters worried about how much he is being asked to carry.
