Saliba starts in France win, French media unimpressed
William Saliba played the full 90 as France beat Senegal 3–1 at the World Cup on Tuesday. Paris Match was not kind: "Less commanding than usual. Overwhelmed, like the entire defence, by the speed and creativity of the Senegalese attack." The report added Saliba's back injury "seems to be forcing him to play with restraint" (1). He did produce one decisive intervention against Ismaila Sarr after a Kylian Mbappe turnover.
Personal terms agreed with Manu Koné
Arsenal have a personal agreement with French midfielder Manu Koné, according to reports out of the Netherlands (3). The deal is not done with his club yet, but Koné is the name gathering momentum as your first summer signing. The Roma-linked midfielder is at the World Cup with France.
Jeremy Monga deal close, next week possible
Arsenal are expected to complete the signing of 16-year-old Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga next week (4) (7). The move reinforces the academy pathway that has already produced Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman.
Trossard sharp, Merino quiet as World Cup group stage rolls on
Leandro Trossard was one of Belgium's best in a 1–1 draw with Egypt on Monday, playing the full 90 (5). On the same day, Mikel Merino came off the bench for Spain but could not break down Cape Verde in a 0–0 stalemate. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was the story, not Spain's midfield (5) (13).
Norgaard pushed toward the exit
Christian Norgaard is under pressure to leave Arsenal after just one year, but a return to Brondby has been ruled out (6). The Danish midfielder's next move is unclear.
Kvaratskhelia unlikely to move
The door looks shut on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The PSG winger is not expected to change clubs this summer despite Arsenal's long-standing interest (8).
Tonali race heats up, Spurs and City involved
Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester City are all in for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, with a reported price tag around £100m (12). Spurs are said to be pushing hardest, but your club is firmly in the conversation.
City spending spree could inflate Rogers price
Manchester City's £120m-plus pursuit of Elliot Anderson has Arsenal worried. The concern is it will drive up Aston Villa's asking price for Morgan Rogers, another name on Arteta's radar (10).
Eyes on Inter's Esposito
Arsenal and Newcastle are both watching Inter Milan striker Francesco Pio Esposito (9). The young forward is seen as a potential attacking reinforcement.
Partey blocked from Ghana opener
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey will miss Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama, a Canadian court rejected his visa application due to ongoing legal proceedings in the UK (2).
Fan-reaktioner
The Koné news has split opinion. Some fans on r/Gunners are treating it with caution after Roma sources denied any talks took place, while others are just relieved to see concrete movement. The Tonali links have drawn more energy, the Telegraph report naming Arsenal, Spurs, and City in a three-way fight for a £100m midfielder got the subreddit talking, and the appetite for a statement signing in the middle is clear.