Saliba shines as France win World Cup opener 3–1

Saliba delivers in France's World Cup opener

Your centre-back started and impressed. France beat Senegal 3–1 in their Group H opener, and William Saliba was at the heart of it alongside Dayot Upamecano (4). Kylian Mbappe grabbed the headlines with the goals, but Saliba's second-half performance after a shaky start from the team was exactly what Arsenal fans wanted to see.

"It's good, it's pleasing. We played a top team. Today, we take the three points. It's better to start the tournament like this," Saliba said afterwards (4). He admitted the first half was not good enough, Senegal had more chances, but France came back with new ideas after the break and made up for it well (4). Any fitness concerns after his recent return to training are gone.

Arsenal shut down Kone links

The club have denied any interest in Manu Kone, despite reports claiming a personal terms agreement was in place (1). Arsenal are not pursuing the Roma midfielder this summer (6). That clears up one name from the endless midfield rumor mill.

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Rashford available, £40m asking price known

Arsenal know the number. Marcus Rashford is available for £40m this summer, and your club have been monitoring him since May (2). Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also in the mix, but the door is open (2).

Alvarez pursuit confirmed by French reports

Arsenal are trying to sign Julian Alvarez (8). The report from RMC Sport places your club alongside Real Madrid in the race for the Argentine forward. Alvarez was also linked with moves to OL and Nantes, but Arsenal's interest is the headline (8).

Spurs join the Tonali race

Tottenham have stepped up their interest in Sandro Tonali, the Newcastle midfielder Arsenal have been tracking (5). Manchester City and Manchester United are also circling. De Zerbi's relationship with Tonali from their Brighton days could factor in, but this one is getting crowded (5).

Porto winger Pietuszewski on the shortlist

Arsenal have Oskar Pietuszewski, the Porto winger, on their radar (3). Still early stages, but the scouting team are doing their work on him.

Nusa scouted as left-wing depth

Antonio Nusa of RB Leipzig is being looked at as a left-wing option (7). With Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard already in that position, Nusa would be one for the future or a rotation piece (7).

Fan-reaktioner

The subreddit is in a reflective summer mood. Max Dowman's Emirates Goal of the Season win has fans buzzing about the academy pipeline, while Christos Tzolis and whether he is a genuine step up is getting a proper deep-dive debate after The Athletic's free-read piece. In between, the parade photos are still rolling in and David Raya's golden glove is getting the fan-art treatment. Max Dowman wins Goal of the Season

Sources

  • 1. justarsenal.com — Arsenal deny they want to sign France star despite reports of agreement
  • 2. utdreport.co.uk — Door now wide open to Arsenal to seal £40m deal for Man Utd star they’ve been ‘monitoring’ since May
  • 3. dailycannon.com — Arsenal have Porto winger on their shortlist
  • 4. justarsenal.com — Arsenal star shines as France open World Cup with win
  • 5. justarsenal.com — Tottenham steps up interest in key Arsenal target
  • 6. dailycannon.com — Arsenal play down links to Serie A midfielder
  • 7. youaremyarsenal.com — Antonio Nusa Scouting Report: A Left-Wing Option Arsenal Should Be Watching
  • 8. rmcsport.bfmtv.com — Bernardo, Alvarez, Moreira… Les 5 infos mercato du 17 juin à la mi-journée
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