Arsenal

Opta have named their World Cup Team of the Tournament.

A host of familiar names feature, including Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez. Key names to depart both Arsenal and Chelsea this summer also make the list.

Opta explained the selections as follows:

Martinez - "Martínez led his country's backline in passes (460) and accurate passes (427) while he became the only Argentine defender on record to score and assist in a FIFA World Cup game (v Cabo Verde)."

Cucurella - "Cucurella led the way for full-backs for successful final third passes (142) and successful passes (382) and was second for touches in the opposition box (19)."

Rodri - "The Spanish midfielder registered the most accurate passes (756), most carries (164) and most line-breaking passes (122) in the competition while that haul of 756 successful passes is the most ever in an edition of the World Cup on record."

Trossard - "As well as scoring two and assisting two, no player created more chances from open play than Trossard (17) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup."

Haaland - "Haaland averaged a goal every 17.1 touches at the 2026 World Cup (120 touches, 7 goals), the second fewest on record (since 1966) for a player to score five or more at a single tournament after Oleg Salenko in 1994 (16.7 – 100 touches, 6 goals)."

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

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Arsenal may be the Premier League team affected most by the World Cup.

The Gunners face an anxious wait over the fitness of William Saliba, who had been managing a back issue before his tournament was ended by the same problem.

The centre-back has not yet been assessed by the club's medical team, but if he was sidelined, it would be a big loss - especially as his defensive partnership with Gabriel is so crucial to how the team play.

The other two question marks will be over the fitness of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, who helped England finish third while managing their own fitness issues.

It does not look like they will need a longer lay-off once the tournament is over, but they will be monitored closely by Arsenal before the new season.

Leandro Trossard enjoyed a fine tournament with Belgium, starting all six games and scoring twice as they reached the quarter-finals, before the forward joined Turkish club Besiktas for £15m.

Gabriel Martinelli, who showed flashes of his quality playing for Brazil, is another player the Gunners could be open to selling this summer.

Carlo Ancelotti played the winger in a central role during the tournament, and that may be an extra attraction for potential buyers.

Read about how the World Cup has impacted other clubs

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

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Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and David Raya are now Premier League winners and champions of the world having won the 2026 World Cup with Spain.

Arsenal's super-sub Merino came on for Dani Olmo in the 75th minute as Spain looked to break the deadlock against a very well-organised Argentina.

Zubimendi, who had not yet featured at this tournament, replaced captain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri in the first half of extra-time.

Ferran Torres eventually put Spain ahead in the second-half of extra-time and a collective team effort ensured they won the World Cup for the second time.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente picked Barcelona's Unai Simon to be his number one ahead of Raya for this tournament, and it paid off as Simon claimed the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper after conceding just once in eight games.

The trio will now, as per Fifa rules, have three weeks off to rest and recover before returning to Arsenal for the 2026-27 Premier League season.

As league holders, the Gunners will play FA Cup winners Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, 16 August, before kicking off the new season against newly promoted Coventry City five days later.

European champions Spain broke the resistance of 10-man Argentina in extra-time to win their second ever World Cup in New Jersey.

Barcelona's Ferran Torres was the difference maker in what was an overall disappointing final that was littered with interruptions.

Spain created the best opportunities against the defending world champions, who mainly resorted to spoiling tactics and had Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez sent off just before the game went into extra time.

Torres was the hero for Spain when he collected substitute Nico Williams' header to beat Argentina and Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez with a powerful shot from close range after 106 minutes.

Seven Premier League players will now return to their five respective clubs for the new 2026-27 season having won the biggest honour in world football.

Arsenal are considering signing 32-year-old England defender John Stones on a free transfer if 25-year-old France defender William Saliba's injury turns out to be long term. (Sun), external

Lazio are targeting West Ham's DR Congo defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with the 28-year-old also on Arsenal's list of potential options. (Mail), external

Liverpool want to sign Sweden left-back Daniel Svensson from Borussia Dortmund, but may face competition from Arsenal for the 24-year-old's signature. (Caught Offside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

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It's European versus world champions in Sunday's World Cup final and Arsenal have three players in Luis de la Fuente's Spain side who face Argentina live on the BBC from 19:00 BST.

Mikel Merino has been dubbed the World Cup 'super sub' after scoring two last-minute winners in the knockout stages to eliminate Portugal and Belgium from the competition.

At this tournament, he has become the first player in World Cup history to score the winning goal in two different knockout-stage matches as a substitute, and also the first Spanish player to score two winning goals after the 80th minute at the World Cup. Can he do it again?

Goalkeeper David Raya and midfielder Martin Zubimendi have been named on the bench for every game of the competition, but are yet to feature.

So in all likelihood, it is Merino Spain may turn to.

Any glory will be a function of sacrifice because, in playing for Spain this summer, Merino has missed the brunt of the early weeks with his first child - Marco - born in May.

Returning home with a World Cup winner's medal would be some story to tell his boy about in years to come.

Watch the World Cup final on the BBC

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With pre-season officially in full swing, we asked you to tell us what you're looking forward to about club football returning.

Here are some of your replies:

Salvatore: Being more relaxed about this year's title race. Having won the Premier League last season, we can no longer be called bottlers. I'm also looking forward to experiencing a league season without Pep Guardiola, one of the greatest managers ever.

Matthew: After the tense last few months of Arsenal's season, I found it hard to enjoy the first few weeks of the World Cup. Now it is all over for England, I have little excitement for the new Premier League season, though I'm sure that will change in the coming weeks.

Rohan: Bukayo Saka playing football again.

Vince: I want to see the youngsters - Max Dowman, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Marli Salmon - stake a claim in the coming season. Dowman has been blooded. Nwaneri has been blooded at home and away on loan and he isn't even 20 years old. Give them their chance now, especially with Leandro Trossard's departure leaving a slot on the wings.

Lara: I can't wait to see our younger players developing further after the experience and pressure of last season. I believe they can all improve. I'm also looking forward to seeing Declan Rice and Saka return. I hope they are given time to fully recover and recharge. They will be like new players if we can give them that space.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Arsenal will assess William Saliba's back injury when he reports back to the club after World Cup duty.

The France centre-back has been dogged by a back issue for several weeks and carried the problem into the World Cup.

The issue appeared to be exacerbated during France's semi-final loss to Spain when he was forced off after just 30 minutes.

Surgery is among the options that will be considered by the Gunners when he returns to London, though an operation would probably require a long-term lay-off to recover.

The 25-year-old made 50 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season, as they ended a 22-year wait to win the Premier League and reached the Champions League final.

Earlier in the World Cup, Saliba said: "I've had some minor niggles for several months.

"I've been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League.

"The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you've got to grit your teeth."

He missed France's final group game against Norway before returning to Didier Deschamps' side for the knockout stage.

France play England in the third-place play-off on Saturday (22:00 BST).

Liverpoolare leading the race to sign Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano from Mainz and are prepared to offer up to 60m euros (£50.9m) for the 25-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund.(Teamtalk), external

Arsenal have expressed an interest in Aston Villa and England defender Ezri Konsa, 28. (Guardian), external

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The World Cup has done a fantastic job of filling the Premier League void, but there is nothing quite like club football.

As the tournament in North America heads towards its climax and England supporters' disappointment sinks in, there is an Arsenal fanbase waiting for the 2026-27 season with anticipation.

So, it has got us thinking: what are you looking forward to most about club football resuming?

Get in touch here

Arsenal are preparing an offer of about £34m for RB Leipzig's 21-year-old Norway winger Antonio Nusa. (Caughtoffside), external

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Arsenal.

Here are some of your comments:

Nate: Brian Cipenga from DR Congo would bring something different to Arsenal. None of the other big teams have really mentioned him, so if Arsenal act fast they would get him. I think Crysencio Summerville would be a great signing as well.

Lara: Ousmane Diomande of Ivory Coast looks to be an outstanding prospect and would be an excellent addition to our defence. Ayyoub Bouaddi looks super composed on the ball and would add strength to the midfield. Bradley Barcola would bring pace, directness and goals to the left-wing. Morgan Rogers would bring control, composure and creativity to the squad. These would be excellent replacements for Christian Norgaard, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri, who unfortunately could all be sold by the end of the window.

Vincent: I'd take Bouaddi any day. He is only 18-years-of-age yet he plays on the world stage with so much confidence already. He might be too confident at times, but Mikel Arteta can straighten him out and turn him into another cog in the Arsenal machine.

Joe: Barcola has impressed at this World Cup and he would fit right into Mikel Arteta's style of football. He had pace, he is defensively good but he is a true winger who could be a great addition to the squad. Maybe he could replace Gabriel Martinelli?

Adam: Mbekezeli Mbokazi of South Africa looked confident, strong and even displayed some qualities. He is being linked with Napoli now.

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Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton believes Arsenal's Declan Rice will be "key to England beating Argentina" on Wednesday night when the two sides face-off at Atlanta Stadium for a spot in the World Cup final.

The 27-year-old defensive midfielder has played a total of 385 minutes at the tournament so far, featuring in five of England's six matches.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Sutton said: "Rice is key to England beating Argentina because Lionel Messi is the key for them.

"I do think Thomas Tuchel will play with two number sixes, but Rice will need eyes in the back of his head because that's where Messi will look to pick the ball up.

"The key to stopping Argentina is stopping Messi - and that's what Rise has the potential to do."

Wrexham defender Conor Coady has been particularly impressed with Tuchel's "unbelievable management" of Bukayo Saka throughout the tournament.

The 24-year-old winger, who has been managing an Achilles problem since March, has featured in all of England's matches and played a total of 268 minutes so far.

"Saka has been managed really well," Coady said. "Tuchel has managed the whole situation of players coming in after really long seasons very well. I think we sometimes forget this tournament has come after a long Premier League season.

"Rice and Saka have had the seasons of their lives by the way, so he's had to do extra to manage them throughout.

"If we see Saka start on Wednesday night and score a goal or get an assist or get the winner, then he has been managed unbelievably well by Tuchel.

"Did we want to see more of Saka? Of course we did, because he is a world-class footballer, but, at the same time, the way that all of the players have been managed has been really good."

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Jordan Henderson and Jarell Quansah are set to be the only players unavailable for England in their World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

Henderson is still recovering from surgery on the broken arm he suffered while celebrating the win over Mexico in the last 16, while defender Quansah is suspended following his red card in the same game.

It leaves head coach Thomas Tuchel with options as he finalises his starting XI.

Arsenal's Declan Rice had his preparation for the game against Norway was severely disrupted by illness - but BBC Sport reported on Monday there was optimism his condition had improved enough for him to take his place in the team on Wednesday.

Rice trained fully on Tuesday and is expected to start in Atlanta.

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We asked for your views on the news that Leandro Trossard is set to leave Arsenal and join Turkish club Besiktas.

Here are some of your comments:

Stuart: Great value signing who made a difference straight away. Dependable and scored some memorable goals but, given his age, it is probably the right time for him to move on and seek a younger player for the next five-year cycle. Appreciate you, Leo - hope we get to show our respect some day. You leave as a champion.

Matthew: Great signing who has scored so many clutch goals. Hard to tell if it is the right time to let him go - depends on who we bring in. Would rather have sold Gabriel Martinelli even though he is younger.

Michael: Trossard played a key part in Arsenal winning the league title. His transfer seems to me to be at the least questionable and likely to be shown to be a mistake.

Eric: Sorry to see him go but makes sense to get a decent fee for him as he only has a year left. Never let us down and will always be remembered for the winner at West Ham. Thank you, Leo, and all the best.

Marc: Trossard has been an outstanding buy for the club. Not prolific but he's reliable. Fully understand selling him, and then purchasing a younger player. It's not just about building a team for the now, it's building for the future. It's all part of the process, and we need to trust the process that the club is following.

Barry: Really don't think this is right decision. He has been brilliant for Arsenal and an invaluable 'finisher' when called upon.

John: Shame to see him leave, though I guess he is seen more as a squad player than a nailed-on starter, which is probably driving the transfer. Thanks, LT - it's been great.

Anthony: Don't get it. Trossard is one of the only Arsenal players who happily takes risks and changes a game late in the day against low blocks. Still plenty of miles in him.

Arsenal have explored the possibility of offering Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, 28, as part of a deal for Atletico Madrid's Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, 26. (Talksport), external

The Gunnersare also trying to sell Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus, with AC Milan among the leading contenders to sign the 29-year-old. (TeamTalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Arsenal are set to accelerate their pursuit of Club Brugge attacker Christos Tzolis following the departure of Leandro Trossard.

BBC Sport reported the Gunners' interest in the Greece international in June and his Belgian club are anticipating an offer.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is working on the deal after his assistant Maurizio Micheli watched the 24-year-old play for Greece against Sweden last month.

Tzolis could be available for about £30m.

Any move for him would be separate to Arsenal's interest in signing more high-profile forwards this summer.

They retain a long-term interest in Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, who is the priority target, but it remains to be seen if a deal for the Argentina international is possible this summer, with Barcelona and Real Madrid also interested.

Morgan Rogers is Arsenal's preferred option in their search for a versatile attacker, with efforts to sign the Aston Villa man set to ramp up once his participation at the World Cup with England is over.

Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola is viewed as the alternative in the event of failing to reach an agreement with Villa, who reportedly value Rogers at £130m.

Meanwhile, Arsenal recruitment specialist Micheli watched Georgia Under-21 international Andria Bartishvili play for Iberia 1999 against Flora in their Champions League qualifier last week, with sources indicating the Gunners are stepping up their attempt to sign the 17-year-old.

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Arsenal have reached agreement with Besiktas to sell forward Leandro Trossard to the Turkish club - and we want your views.

The 31-year-old, who is contracted until 2027 with the Gunners, has been granted permission to travel to Istanbul for a medical.

Trossard joined the Gunners from Brighton in January 2023 for an initial £21m.

He has scored 36 goals in 174 appearances, including a crucial late winner against West Ham in May which helped Mikel Arteta's side win the Premier League title.

Is letting Trossard go the right decision and who would you replace him with?

Have your say here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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England will make a late decision on whether Arsenal's Declan Rice is fit to start the World Cup semi-final against Argentina - but there remains optimism the midfielder can shake off the effects of an illness to play on Wednesday.

Rice, who had suffered with a sickness bug in the lead-up to Saturday's quarter-final victory over Norway in Miami, was substituted at half-time.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel admitted afterwards that Rice had spent three days in bed before the match, which England won 2-1 after extra time.

It is understood Rice has still not recovered fully from the illness - picked up in Mexico, where England beat the co-hosts 3-2 in the last 16 - but his condition has improved markedly over the past 48 hours.

As things stand, there is growing hope he will be well enough to start in Atlanta.

Rice is almost certain to rule himself fit for the semi-final given the enormity of the occasion.

But given the severity of the illness, England medics are set to make a late call on his availability.

And Tuchel will wait to see how rapidly his condition improves before making a final decision on whether to pick him.