Saliba's back, and surgery is on the table
William Saliba aggravated a back injury at the World Cup and surgery has not been ruled out (1). Arsenal are yet to make a final decision on how to treat it. That is the spine of your defence hanging in the balance, and the club know it. A decision is expected early next week.
Konsa lined up as defensive cover
Arsenal are preparing a first bid for Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa (2). The England international is seen as a player who can slot in alongside Gabriel, and his profile fits exactly the kind of depth your squad lacked when Saliba went down last season. Both Arsenal and Liverpool have registered interest, but Arsenal are pushing first.
A mega bid for Rogers, with Rice pulling strings
Arsenal have tabled what is being called a 'mega bid' for Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers (3). Declan Rice, his England teammate, is reportedly a key influence behind the scenes. The clubs are in dialogue over both Rogers and Konsa, but these are separate negotiations.
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Guirassy clause expired, and Arsenal missed it
Serhou Guirassy had a €40 million release clause. It expired on 15 July, and Arsenal did not trigger it (4). Dortmund now hold the cards. With Trossard heading out and Martinelli attracting enquiries, the striker search just got more complicated.
Merino: 'It doesn't matter who the hero is'
Mikel Merino spoke ahead of Spain's World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday. "I have incredible confidence in myself and my abilities, and every time I step onto the pitch, I believe I can make an impact for the team," he said. "But honestly, it doesn't matter who the hero is; the important thing is that the team wins in the end" (5). A proper squad player's answer.
Hasselbaink goes to bat for Rice
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink pushed back hard against Graeme Souness's criticism of Declan Rice. "I don't think that he's limited. I don't agree with Graeme," Hasselbaink said. "I think he can be even more dominant by believing more in himself. I think he can also score more goals" (6). Rice has been fighting illness to be ready for England's semi-final and remains one of the first names on the teamsheet for club and country.
Aubameyang lands at Deportivo
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has joined Deportivo La Coruna on a permanent deal (7). The former Arsenal captain is back in Spain for what looks like the final chapter.
Fan-reaktioner
The Saliba news is the only thing anyone can talk about right now, and L'Equipe's update that surgery may not be needed has calmed some nerves, but not all of them. A final call with the club early next week has fans refreshing every feed they can find. Meanwhile, Romano's 'here we go' on 18-year-old centre-back Elijah Upson joining from Spurs has been met with pure glee, poaching a Hale End-calibre talent from across the divide always lands well. Read the Saliba thread
