Como at the Emirates tonight, Timber out
Arsenal host Como in a pre-season friendly at the Emirates this Wednesday evening. Kick-off is 19:30 BST and the match streams free on the Arsenal YouTube channel (2). Jurriën Timber is ruled out after minor surgery, but no other squad concerns have been flagged ahead of the game.
Lewis-Skelly offered around, two clubs say no
An intermediary associated with Myles Lewis-Skelly contacted Chelsea and Manchester United to gauge interest in the left-back. Both clubs turned down the chance to sign him, despite a reported £45m valuation (2). United are reportedly prioritising Lewis Hall from Newcastle instead (1). Chelsea's issue is not financial, they simply do not believe Arsenal will sell (5).
Kofane flattered but staying at Leverkusen
Arsenal target Christian Kofane has made his intentions clear. "I can certainly imagine it, yes. It's one of the best leagues in the world," the Bayer Leverkusen player said of Premier League interest. "But I want to take it step by step. I'm young and still have big plans with Bayer Leverkusen" (6). That door looks shut for now.
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Kounde interest surfaces as Barcelona chase Porro
Arsenal are monitoring Jules Kounde while Barcelona have approached Tottenham's Pedro Porro about a move (3). The chain reaction could open something at the back for Arteta, but nothing is close.
Nico Williams: talent there, injury record a worry
Arsenal may think twice about Nico Williams. The Athletic Club winger has undeniable quality, but his injury record makes him a risk just as Arteta reshapes the attack around Christos Tzolis and the Vinicius Junior pursuit (7).
Konsa sits out Villa-PSG Super Cup clash
Ezri Konsa is not in Aston Villa's squad for the European Super Cup against PSG on Wednesday (8). Villa face the team that beat Arsenal on penalties in the Champions League final, a match that still stings.
Ex-Gunner Alexis Sánchez lands in Montréal
Alexis Sánchez, now 37, has signed with CF Montréal through at least 2027 (10) (11) (12). The former Arsenal forward said he wants to "put my experience at the service of the team" (10). That is career club number 11.
Fan reactions
The mood around Arsenal's transfer window is mixed. Some fans appreciate the ambition of chasing Vinicius Junior but worry the window will be seen as a missed opportunity without a world-class attacker arriving. The Lewis-Skelly situation has drawn attention across rival subreddits, with Chelsea and United supporters noting their clubs passed. Meanwhile, a Folarin Balogun rumor linking him to Tottenham for €60m has Arsenal fans keeping a wary eye on developments. Join the Como match thread.
