Merino does it again
Mikel Merino sent Spain into the World Cup semi-final. Belgium 1–2 Spain on Friday, and your midfielder scored the winner in the 89th minute (7) (8) (11) (12). A long ball forward, Senne Lammens misjudged it, and Merino was there to head home. Spanish press called him "the talisman", he has now scored the winning goal in two different World Cup knockout matches as a substitute (8). No player in tournament history has done that before.
Saka: I'm ready
Bukayo Saka says he is fit and ready for England's quarter-final against Norway on Saturday. "Right now, I'm feeling great and I'm ready to go," Saka said. He admitted he arrived at the World Cup short of full fitness: "Of course, I would have loved to come to this tournament 100 per cent, but that wasn't the case and everyone's realised that. They've managed me in the best way possible" (13). Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland stand in the way.
Meslier signs on a free
Illan Meslier has joined Arsenal on a free transfer from Leeds United (3) (5). The 26-year-old arrives to compete with David Raya and called Arsenal "the biggest club here in England" (5). Tommy Setford moves the other direction, he joins Leeds permanently after a loan spell.
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Bruno G. agrees personal terms
Arsenal and Bruno Guimaraes have reportedly agreed personal terms on a five-year contract (6). The Newcastle United midfielder is a long-standing target. A fee with Newcastle still needs to be negotiated. This one has a long way to run.
€250M midfield war chest
Arsenal are reportedly preparing a €250 million budget to strengthen the midfield this summer (14). The Spanish report does not name specific targets, but the scale of the figure suggests Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta are planning something significant. With Guimaraes already linked and the window open, it is a number that will get attention.
Ona Batlle joins Arsenal Women
Arsenal Women have signed Ona Batlle after the Spain international left Barcelona (1). The right-back is one of the best in her position and arrives as part of a major squad overhaul under Renée Slegers.
Women's squad reshaped
Katie McCabe, Beth Mead, Victoria Pelova, Laia Codina, and Manuela Zinsberger are among the players leaving Arsenal Women this summer (4). McCabe is reportedly close to Chelsea, Mead to Manchester City, and Pelova to West Ham. Zinsberger is headed to Bayern Munich, Codina back to Barcelona. Georgia Stanway and Ona Batlle headline the incomings.
Arsenal eye Mavropanos return
Arsenal are reportedly interested in bringing Dinos Mavropanos back from West Ham. The Greek centre-back left Arsenal permanently in 2022 and would cost around £25 million (2). He started in the Champions League final, which adds a layer of credibility to the link.
Tresoldi on the radar
Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi remains on Arsenal's shortlist (9). The Italy U21 international is viewed as a potential attacking addition, with Gabriel Jesus expected to depart this summer.
Szczesny on the injury that never left him
Wojciech Szczesny says he still feels pain from breaking both arms in an Arsenal gym accident at age 17. Now 36 and recently retired, the former Gunner said the injury caused him discomfort his entire career (10).
Fan reactions
Arsenal fans are enjoying the Merino moment. The stats are wild: first player ever to score two World Cup knockout winners off the bench. "Fair enough Merino 😂" was one reaction, another called him "one of the most versatile players I've ever seen." The sub is already dreaming of a Merino-Zubimendi midfield partnership at club level next season, too. See the discussion on r/Gunners
