Martinelli close to record Al Hilal move
Gabriel Martinelli is nearing a record sale to Al Hilal. The fee is around 486 million kroner, and Fabrizio Romano is on it (2). If it goes through, it would be Arsenal's biggest ever sale. You go to Aston Villa on Monday without him in the conversation.
Ezri Konsa signed as Saliba cover
Ezri Konsa joins from Aston Villa. John Terry does not see him as a backup: "I think even when William Saliba is back fit, he doesn't get back in the Arsenal team, I think Ezri Konsa is that good" (3). You play Villa next, and the man you just bought from them could start against them.
Timber and Rice honored by the PFA
Declan Rice is PFA Player of the Year, and Jurrien Timber makes the PFA Team of the Year (1)(4). Reddit is still on about William Saliba, the only player in the Team of the Year four seasons running. Rice's reflection after the City defeat was simple: "it's not done" (4).
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Two Arsenal deals flagged and one striker incoming
Bruno Guimaraes ranks among the Premier League's biggest summer overpays, per one list (5). Igor Tyjon is expected to join from Blackburn for up to £3 million, an 18-year-old striker who left with a cryptic goodbye (7). Olivia Smith won a second straight PFA young player award (6).
Fan-reaktioner
The mood is all PFA awards this week. Fans are celebrating Saliba's four consecutive Team of the Year nods and Rice's Player of the Year win, with the Kolo Toure interview making the rounds. Timber's first selection has supporters pointing out the defence is stacked.
