Trossard is gone, Besiktas get their man
Leandro Trossard flew into Istanbul on Tuesday and signed for Besiktas. The fee lands around €20 million (1) (3) (5) (8). He was greeted at the airport by fans and did the traditional eagle pose, instantly winning the crowd over (1) (14). A tidy profit on a player who had his moments, but the left side now has a hole that needs filling.
Saliba goes down with a back injury
William Saliba was forced off in France's World Cup semi-final against Spain with a back problem (6) (7). He signalled to the bench: "my back is gone, my back is gone" (6). French reports say he has been gritting his teeth through the tournament while playing at a high level (7). With the Community Shield on 16 August, that timeline is suddenly tight.
Tzolis says no to Dortmund, waits for Arsenal
Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis has turned down Borussia Dortmund and is holding out for Arsenal (10). The Greek attacker fits the Trossard-shaped gap on the left. Brugge want a club-record fee, around €25m, to let him go (15).
Guimaraes pursuit carries tapping-up risk
Arsenal are pushing for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, but there could be complications. If the club made direct contact without permission, a tapping-up case is on the table (9). Newcastle would fight hard to keep their captain regardless.
Barcelona won't back off Alvarez
Barcelona remain firmly in the race for Julian Alvarez, even as Arsenal explore a swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres (2) (11) (12). Alvarez prefers Barcelona, but Arteta is a known admirer (2) (11). Liverpool are circling Bradley Barcola in the same market (12).
Fan reactions
Saliba's injury has Arsenal fans rattled. The sight of him mouthing his back was gone spread fast across the subreddit, with supporters worried about the Community Shield and the season opener. Some are asking how players like him and Declan Rice push through pain for months, a mix of fear and genuine curiosity about what these athletes put their bodies through. See the full discussion here.
