Saka playing through pain ahead of England's opener
Bukayo Saka will gamble on his fitness for England's World Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday. The Arsenal winger has been nursing an Achilles injury and is competing with Noni Madueke for a starting spot (1) (7). "I'm feeling better than I have felt than in the last few months," Saka said, crediting the Arsenal and England medical teams for managing him through it (6). He did not hide the risk: "I'll keep gambling with fitness for England" (3).
Gyokeres stars, Havertz hits two as Sweden thrash Tunisia
Viktor Gyokeres scored and assisted as Sweden opened their World Cup with a 5–1 win over Tunisia on Sunday (4). Kai Havertz also got on the scoresheet twice for Germany elsewhere in the group (4). Alexander Isak, who partners Gyokeres up front for Sweden, said: "We are supposed to be the difference" (10). A strong start for your striker heading into the tournament.
Forest want Vieira
Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign Fabio Vieira from Arsenal this summer (5). The Portuguese midfielder spent last season on loan and does not appear to be in Arteta's plans.
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Arsenal among clubs tracking Gibbs-White and Tonali
Morgan Gibbs-White is attracting interest from multiple top sides, with Arsenal and Manchester United both monitoring the Nottingham Forest midfielder (11). Sandro Tonali is another name on the radar, though Tottenham have now entered the race alongside Arsenal and Manchester City (12).
Bouaddi compared to Rooney and Bellingham
European football expert Andy Brassell has compared Arsenal target Ayyoub Bouaddi to Wayne Rooney and Jude Bellingham. "He's fantastic. In terms of how he's physically built, it says on his birth certificate that he's a boy, but he looks like a man immediately," Brassell said (8). Arsenal are in advanced talks for the 18-year-old Lille midfielder.
Rojas walks away
Released Arsenal youngster Alexei Rojas turned down a new contract offer before leaving the club (9).
Fan-reaktioner
Fans are rallying behind Saka after his candid comments about playing through pain for England, with many praising the medical staff's handling of his Achilles issue. William Saliba's quote about his legacy at childhood club AS Bondy, "Even at this club, I did more than him," has also been doing the rounds. Meanwhile, news of Arteta's contract renewal talks has supporters feeling confident about the title defence ahead.
