Saliba facing months out with back injury
William Saliba told Dayot Upamecano he could not continue. "I can't take it any more, my back is finished," the Arsenal defender said before coming off against Spain (1). The damage is serious. Reports now say Saliba may need surgery and could miss four to five months (3) (9). L'Equipe adds that the option is being considered, and the 25-year-old's World Cup is over. For Arsenal, this is a huge problem before the season has even begun.
Trossard joins Besiktas for €18m
Leandro Trossard has left Arsenal. The Belgian winger finalised his move to Besiktas on Wednesday for a fee of €18m (2) (4) (7). Thierry Henry did not hide his disappointment. "He was so valuable with his intelligence and composure, beyond just the goals," Henry said. "Arsenal will miss him more than they realise" (14). Trossard posted a farewell video to fans and leaves as a title winner.
Tzolis deal could be done by Monday
Arsenal are moving quickly to fill the gap on the wing. Christos Tzolis is close to joining from Club Brugge, with reports suggesting the deal could be finalised by Monday 20 July, when pre-season officially begins (10). The 24-year-old Greek international looks set to arrive as Trossard's direct replacement.
Get the next Arsenal FC brief by email
This article went out to subscribers as a brief. Get the next one straight to your inbox, free.
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Arsenal offer Gyokeres in Alvarez chase
Arsenal want Julian Alvarez and are willing to put Viktor Gyokeres on the table to get him. Reports say the club has offered Gyokeres plus cash to Atletico Madrid, but Atletico are holding firm on the full release clause (11). Barcelona are also in the race and ready to increase their offer (12).
Waddle: scrap the Bruno Guimaraes move
Chris Waddle has told Arsenal to walk away from a deal for Bruno Guimaraes. The former England winger gave three reasons he thinks the £100m-rated Newcastle captain would be the wrong signing. "I'm surprised they're even looking at it," he said (13).
Antonio Nusa on the radar
Arsenal are also being linked with Antonio Nusa. Reports on Thursday say the club is preparing an offer for the RB Leipzig winger (10) (15). Separately, Portuguese outlet Sapo reported Arsenal have interest in trying to sign him (5).
Rice starts for England
Declan Rice was named in England's starting XI for their Wednesday night match, fighting off illness to be available (16). No word yet on the result, but his fitness is a positive sign with a World Cup semi-final against Argentina looming.
Fan reactions
The Saliba news has hit hard. The quote, "I can't take it any more, my back is finished," is spreading fast, and fans are bracing for a long absence. The mood is grim after seeing your best defender leave a World Cup in visible distress. Read the discussion here.
