Konsa deal agreed
Arsenal have agreed a deal worth around £51 million for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa (1) (2). His medical is scheduled, and the club is racing to register him before the season starts. Rio Ferdinand called it "an absolute steal" and said the move has "come out of nowhere" (6).
Community Shield statement
Arsenal beat Manchester City 3–0 in the Community Shield (8). Frank Leboeuf put it plainly: "What we are seeing right now is Arsenal are spot on, City are not ready" (8). Your team heads into the title defence looking sharp.
Arteta's ambition
Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to become "the best club in the world" (3). On the title favourites tag: "I think this is part of our industry, and that's OK" (9). He is not hiding from the pressure.
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Attack targets
Arsenal are reportedly preparing a €100 million bid for Juventus striker Kenan Yıldız (10). A multimillion offer for Julián Álvarez is also said to be in the works (12). PSG winger Bradley Barcola is another name linked (4).
Nwaneri to Newcastle?
Newcastle have been given the green light to strike a late deal for Ethan Nwaneri (11). The youngster could leave on loan or permanently before the window shuts.
Konsa arrives as injuries bite
William Saliba is injured and Jurrien Timber is sidelined, which makes Konsa the priority defensive signing (1). Record described Konsa as a 'vilão' heading to the Arsenal defence (7). Christos Tzolis has also joined, having left the Belgian league (5).
Fan reactions
Fans are celebrating the Community Shield win while also reminiscing about the night the title was secured. One fan reminded everyone of how "stressful but sweet" that clinching evening was. The bigger talking point is the money: Charles Watts and James Benge report Arsenal are close to breaching UEFA's SCR rules, meaning any attacker signing now requires a significant sale first.
Fixtures
Next up: Coventry City at home on Friday, August 21 at 21:00 CEST. Then Aston Villa away on Monday, August 31 at 21:00 CEST.
