Santi Cazorla retires at 41
Santi Cazorla has retired from professional football. The former Arsenal midfielder, now 41, announced his decision Thursday, ending a career that took him from Villarreal to Malaga, Arsenal, back to Villarreal, and finally to boyhood club Real Oviedo (1) (6). At Arsenal he won two FA Cups and gave fans some of the most watchable football of the Emirates era. No player made the game look more fun.
Academy manager deal agreed
Arsenal have agreed a deal for Pascal De Maesschalck to become the new academy manager, succeeding Per Mertesacker (3). The appointment fills a key backroom role heading into pre-season.
Barcola on the radar
Arsenal are set to test PSG's resolve over winger Bradley Barcola this summer (4). The World Cup star is a primary attacking target as Arteta looks to strengthen the left side. No bid yet, but the interest is concrete.
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Tonali: Arsenal said no before Spurs pounced
Arsenal rejected the chance to sign Sandro Tonali before Spurs agreed a £100m deal with Newcastle for the Italian midfielder (5). Three reasons reportedly drove the decision: cost, tactical fit, and existing midfield depth. He now heads across north London.
Man Utd bid £59m for Alex Scott
Manchester United have made a £59m bid for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with Arsenal and Liverpool closely monitoring the situation (2). No indication yet that Arsenal will match the offer, but the interest is registered.
City sign Elliot Anderson
Manchester City have completed the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest (7). A midfielder strengthening a direct rival. No fee disclosed.
Fan-reaktioner
A Reddit post celebrating a small classy moment caught attention on Thursday: an image captioned "Once a gunner..." showing a kind gesture toward Folarin Balogun during a rough patch. The thread is short on detail but long on sentiment. See the post
