Saliba misses France match with back injury
William Saliba sat out France's World Cup clash against Norway with a back problem (4). It is not believed to be serious. Saliba has been playing through pain for months, driven by France's tournament ambitions, and missing this one will unnerve Arsenal fans watching from home.
Trossard brace sends Belgium through
Leandro Trossard scored twice as Belgium dismantled New Zealand 5–1 on Friday night to reach the World Cup knockout stages (6). Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku were also on the scoresheet. Trossard's form in the tournament sharpens an uncomfortable question: with Arsenal's attack being rebuilt this summer, where does he fit?
Arsenal prepare improved Bruno Guimaraes bid
Arsenal had an opening offer for Bruno Guimaraes rejected by Newcastle and are now readying a fresh bid (3). The midfielder has given the green light to the move and the club are plotting a package around £80m (2). Mikel Arteta wants him as the centrepiece of the midfield rebuild.
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
Ødegaard could leave this summer
Martin Ødegaard might be sold, according to former United scout Mick Brown. "From what I hear, he could leave Arsenal. It would not surprise me if he did," Brown said (5). He pointed to the Ødegaard–Saka link as the biggest threat Arsenal lost last season after the captain's injury, and suggested the club never quite found the same rhythm. With Morgan Rogers and Bruno Guimaraes on the radar, a reshaped midfield and attack is taking shape.
Arsenal track 17-year-old Mexican at the World Cup
Arsenal are monitoring Gilberto Mora, the youngest player at this World Cup (9). The 17-year-old plays for Club Tijuana and has caught the eye of Arteta's scouting network.
Curtis Jones admired, no approach yet
Arsenal are fans of Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, though no official contact has been made (11). Inter Milan are also watching. For now it stays on the watchlist.
Bartishvili deal not agreed
Andria Bartishvili has indicated Arsenal have not yet reached a pre-contract agreement with him, contrary to earlier speculation (7).
Emerson Nwaneri set to depart
Arsenal look likely to lose Emerson Nwaneri, Ethan's younger brother, this summer despite efforts to keep the academy talent at the club (10).
Xhaka agrees terms with Chelsea
Granit Xhaka has personally agreed terms with Chelsea, with the former Arsenal captain set for a Premier League return (8).
Eze on Rice fitness ahead of Panama
Eberechi Eze gave a brief update on Declan Rice's condition before England face Panama in the World Cup, though no firm call has been made on whether he plays (12).
Fan reactions
Saka's assist from a corner for Bellingham's goal against Panama lit up the subreddit, with clips spreading fast. Meanwhile, news of lead performance coach Sam Wilson leaving prompted a more muted but real concern about the backroom churn. On the brighter side, Tim Stillman's confirmation that Selina Cerci and Lisa Baum deals are nearly done has been met with quiet optimism.
