Timber and White back in training, both close to return
Two key defenders are nearly back. Ben White confirmed he started training with the squad last week. "I've just been training every day, really. Knee's all good. Started training back with the team last week," White said (3). Jurrien Timber is also progressing in his recovery (5). The pair returning gives your defence a proper lift before the season starts.
Rogers to Chelsea, Arsenal stood firm at £80m
Morgan Rogers is a Chelsea player. Arsenal had a clear valuation of £80m and refused to go beyond it, despite Villa pushing for more. Chelsea's final package hit £117m total (1) (3). Former Arsenal scout Bryan King was not impressed with how it played out: "Why the hell?" he asked, criticising the whole pursuit (8). Sometimes the right move is the one you do not make.
John Stones on a free: Arteta working the phones
Arsenal are watching John Stones closely. He is available on a free transfer and Mick Brown says the move "would make a lot of sense." Brown added: "He knows Mikel Arteta well after their time together at City, so I'm sure the manager will be playing a key role in convincing him of the move" (6). A 32-year-old Stones on zero transfer fee, reunited with the coach who knows him best.
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Bouaddi battle: Arsenal and City go head to head
Ayyoub Bouaddi is wanted, and both Arsenal and Manchester City are in the race. The Lille midfielder turned heads at the World Cup and is now a target for multiple clubs, with Bruno Guimarães also in the conversation at Arsenal (9).
Yan Diomande: fresh contact over €100m winger
Arsenal have made new contact over RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. The 20-year-old has a price tag north of €100m and Paris Saint-Germain are also in the hunt (12).
Spanish World Cup winner in Arteta's sights
Arsenal are accelerating a move for a Spanish World Cup winner, with reports pointing to a £77m deal. Nico Williams is one name in the frame after Spain lifted the trophy, though details remain unconfirmed (4) (14).
Martinelli attracting attention, price tag set
Gabriel Martinelli is drawing interest from Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, and others. The reported asking price sits between €45m and €50m (7). Meanwhile, Trossard is heading to Beşiktaş for around €18–20m, Kiwior and Hein have been sold, and Fábio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, and Ethan Nwaneri are also on their way out (2). Hincapié has joined permanently from Leverkusen and Illan Meslier arrives on a free from Leeds (2).
Konsa on the radar if Saliba concerns grow
Ezri Konsa remains a target. With William Saliba's fitness a question mark, Arsenal are still planning a move for the Aston Villa defender (10).
Julian Alvarez: Barcelona hesitation could open the door
Barcelona may pull out of the race for Julián Álvarez. That would leave Arsenal and Atlético Madrid as the two main suitors (11).
Kone and Williams: Wednesday's gossip roundup
Manu Koné is wanted by both Arsenal and Manchester United, per Tuesday's BBC gossip column (13). West Ham are also chasing a loan deal for teenage defender Jaden Dixon (12).
Fan-reaktioner
The Rogers deal has sparked plenty of reaction on the subreddit, with fans zeroing in on the £80m valuation Arsenal set and refused to break, even as Chelsea went to £117m. There is respect for the discipline, mixed with frustration that Villa and Arsenal were always far apart. Meanwhile, Merino winning the World Cup with Spain, despite a disallowed goal in the final, had supporters celebrating one of their own bringing gold back to the club. Read the full Rogers story here.
