Nwaneri's future and will Gunners spend less this summer?published at 16:52 BST 10 July
16:52 BST 10 July
Alex Howell Football reporter
Arsenal's potentially modest summer transfer plans and Ethan Nwaneri's future has been the subject of several questions sent in via our 'Ask about Arsenal' form'.
Nwaneri is in an interesting position at Arsenal.
It is still easy to forget just how young he is as it feels like he has been around for a while now.
But he is still only 19 and has had one successful breakout season with Arsenal and also a senior loan to Marseille now.
However, he was sent on loan during the season that Arsenal won the title and was not part of the group that got over the line.
Nwaneri presents pure profit on the balance sheet which makes him an attractive option to sell if there was an offer.
It would be too harsh to say that he is on the transfer list but if there was a big offer that matched market value, it would definitely make Arsenal assess the situation.
It is right that Arsenal invested heavily last summer with around £250m spent on eight players as the Gunners won the title for the first time in 22 years.
The plan for Arsenal is to still invest but not at the same level of the outlay that was seen last summer.
Arsenal do have room in their finances to invest in players and we have seen that shown in their interest in Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes.
But the club are increasingly focused on being self-sustainable and that could see them entertain sales too.
Arsenal will look to strengthen this summer and big names could come in as mentioned above but the numbers seen last summer are unlikely to to be replicated.
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We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.
Will your club sign any World Cup breakout stars?published at 12:00 BST 10 July
12:00 BST 10 July
Image source, Getty Images
Plenty of players have made names for themselves at this World Cup, from goalkeepers like Cape Verde's Vozinha and Paraguay's Orlando Gill to New Zealand midfielder Elijah Just.
But though they might not have been familiar to fans, the extent of modern scouting means clubs all over the world will already have known about many of them – so how have their heroics at the tournament affected their standing in the game, and their value in the transfer market?
More than the Score's Mani Djazmi is joined Ben Littlemore from Transfermarkt, one of the world's foremost football databases. Lutz Pfannenstiel, sporting director at Aberdeen, also shares his footballing knowledge in today's episode.
Saka 'ready to go' for Englandpublished at 08:03 BST 10 July
08:03 BST 10 July
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Bukayo Saka has said that he is "ready to go" for England after overcoming an Achilles issue.
The Arsenal winger had been carrying the injury since March with Saka saying that he was willing to "gamble" with his fitness for England as they attempt to win the World Cup.
England manager Thomas Tuchel had said that Saka's fitness would improve as the tournament went on and declared the winger was "pain free" before the Three Lions second game against Ghana.
The 24-year-old started England's dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico last week and Saka says he feels ready to continue impacting the tournament.
"I think across the tournament my minutes have been building and building," Saka said.
"I would have loved to have come to this tournament 100% but that hasn't been the case, and everyone has realised that and they have managed me in the best way possible, but right now I'm feeling great and ready to go."
England's match against Norway will see Saka come up against Arsenal captain and team-mate Martin Odegaard.
"I spoke to him briefly," said Saka. "We are both really focused and we know how big of an opportunity it is for both our countries."
Gossip: Gunners ready to finalise deal for Tzolispublished at 07:54 BST 10 July
07:54 BST 10 July
Arsenal are ready to finalise a £35m transfer for 24-year-old Club Brugge and Greece winger Christos Tzolis. (Sun, external)
Meanwhile Liverpool and Arsenal are both reluctantly prepared to loan Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi back to Lille if they can sign him this summer, as the French club want to keep the 18-year-old for one more season. (Football Insider, external)
The 26-year-old made 215 appearances for Leeds but lost his place as number one last season.
"I'm extremely, extremely happy. It's a great day for me because I've just joined the champions, " Meslier told club media.
"It's the biggest club here in England, so I'm very happy to join this massive club, and it's also a massive opportunity for me. I'm extremely happy to join and to try to do the back-to-back.
"Last season was a special year, strangely enough for me. Unfortunately, this happens a lot in the careers of players. But I never give up. I keep working very hard every day, training, always being ready for the players who need help."
There is a doubt over current second-choice keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga's future heading into next season, resulting in Arsenal exploring the market for a replacement.
Meslier arrives as third-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga, but there is doubt over Kepa's future this summer, so Meslier could be promoted into the number two role.
"This year, I want to show that I want to play," added Meslier.
"I cannot wait to show the love that I've got for this badge, and I cannot wait to lift some trophies, because this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again."
Guehi and Rice set to be fit for Norway, while hope remains for Jamespublished at 09:59 BST 9 July
09:59 BST 9 July
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City defender Marc Guehi's absence from England training on Wednesday was precautionary and he is expected to be fit for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Norway.
The centre-back raised concerns over his availability for the game in Miami after he was confirmed as one of four players - Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice and Reece James the others - who did not train in the squad's first session since Sunday's win over Mexico.
It is understood Guehi's absence was because of muscular fatigue, but the issue is not thought to be serious.
Arsenal midfielder Rice's absence is linked to the neural hamstring lower back problem that has hampered him throughout the tournament.
But, like Guehi, the vice-captain is expected to be fit to face Norway.
There also remains hope that Chelsea right-back James, who suffered a hamstring injury in the goalless draw with Ghana on 23 June, will be available.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is considering Arsenal defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie as he looks to add physicality to his side's defence. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Guimaraes asks to leave amid Arsenal interestpublished at 19:01 BST 8 July
19:01 BST 8 July
Sami Mokbel and Ciaran Kelly BBC Sport
Image source, Getty Images
Captain Bruno Guimaraes has asked to leave Newcastle, with Arsenal accelerating their interest in the midfielder.
The Brazil international, who arrived from Lyon in 2022, has been a player of interest for the Premier League champions this summer.
Although Newcastle have had no direct contact from Arsenal, Mikel Arteta's side are now poised to make a fresh offer for Guimaraes, who missed a penalty for Brazil as they exited the World Cup in the last 16 to Norway on Sunday.
Newcastle do not want to lose Guimaraes, the team's captain and talisman, having already sold Italy international Tonali and Anthony Gordon in this transfer window.
Merino fires Spain into quarter-finals published at 08:32 BST 7 July
08:32 BST 7 July
Mikel Merino came off the bench to score an injury-time winner for Spain against Portugal in their World Cup last 16 tie.
The 1-0 win sets up a quarter-final with Belgium on Friday (20:00 BST) in Los Angeles.
He became the fifth different Arsenal player to score at the 2026 World Cup - the most players from the club to find the net in a single edition of the competition.
Gossip: Wan-Bissaka a potential White replacementpublished at 07:58 BST 7 July
07:58 BST 7 July
Arsenal have added West Ham and DR Congo right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 28, to their list of potential replacements for Ben White, should the England international leave this summer. (Teamtalk, external)
Sign Vlahovic but steer clear of Rashford? Free agents and who to avoidpublished at 15:07 BST 6 July
15:07 BST 6 July
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on which free agents Arsenal could target this summer and whether there is one player the Gunners are linked with but you hope they never sign.
Here are some of your comments:
Tim: While Morgan Rogers is a good player, I don't believe he is right for Arsenal - and to be honest, Arsenal don't need him because we already have Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, Kai Havertz, Mikel Merino, Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri (assuming he isn't sold to satisfy PSR) in the attacking midfield positions. Likewise, all of the other central midfielders being linked to Arsenal are for positions where we already have an abundance of talent and do not need strengthen. It's only the left wing that needs sorting, with a better winger than Leandro Trossard needed and Gabriel Martinelli as back-up to the left wing and striker.
Peter: Sign Casemiro as a squad back-up for our midfield. No-brainer.
Vince: Free transfer - we should definitely go for Mohamed Salah, especially if we want to make headway in the Champions League. He's been there and done that and his ability is beyond dispute. Thanks but no thanks - Bruno Guimaraes is nearing 30 and buying him for upwards of £50m-£60m doesn't much make sense - plus, we have a wealth of midfield talent in Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Eze, Odegaard, Max Dowman and Nwaneri to play around with!
William: Get Illan Meslier and Vlahovic on a free as their wages shouldn't be too extortionate. Then get a deal for Konsa, Rogers and Kone. We will then have to sell Ben White, Kepa, Trossard and Norgaard. If Martinelli goes then Nwaneri deserves a chance to fight for his place....we can then send Max Dowman onto Europe to get some experience.
Jack: I'd like to see us take a chance on Dusan Vlahovic, a player Mikel Arteta has admired for a long time. Presuming Gabriel Jesus is leaving then we could do with some more depth behind Viktor Gyokeres. As for someone we've been linked with that I would like to avoid, Marcus Rashford just feels like too much of a gamble unless Manchester United release him and we can grab him for free.
George: I think John Stones is the best out of the free agents as he is versatile and can play right-sided centre-back and also convert to right-back. We should consider signing Vlahovic if Jesus leaves. I'd consider signing Jadon Sancho as a back-up left winger, subject to Matinelli or Trossard leaving. I hope we don't waste £125m plus on Julian Alvarez as I don't think he is worth that and you saw what happened when Liverpool spent £125m on a striker.
You're the scout! Which World Cup players do you want at your club?published at 12:32 BST 6 July
12:32 BST 6 July
Image source, Getty Images
We're now well into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention - especially with the summer transfer window open since 15 June.
Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?
Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?
This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...
And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.
This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.
This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.
Gossip: Arsenal in frame for Barcolapublished at 07:54 BST 6 July
07:54 BST 6 July
Bradley Barcola's future at Paris St-Germain remains unclear, with Arsenal and Liverpool in the frame to sign the France forward, 23. (Talksport, external)
A free deal and which transfer link is a thumbs down?published at 17:30 BST 3 July
17:30 BST 3 July
We have been asking you questions about Arsenal all summer. Our latest is a two-pronged query...
First, is there anyone on the free transfer list you think makes sense or is realistic as a signing?
Mohamed Salah, John Stones, Solly March, Fabinho, Leon Goretzka, Dusan Vlahovic, Jadon Sancho, Daichi Kamada and Yves Bissouma are just some of the names currently available - and you can see a list here of the 15 free agents involved at the World Cup.
And secondly, is there a player Arsenal are constantly linked with but you hope they never sign? If so, who and why?
De Maesschalck named Gunners' new academy directorpublished at 15:40 BST 3 July
15:40 BST 3 July
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal have appointed Strasbourg technical director Pascal De Maesschalck as the club's new academy head.
The experienced Belgian has previously worked at Monaco and Club Brugge before joining Strasbourg in 2024.
He will replace Per Mertesacker, who left the club at the end of last season, as Arsenal's academy director.
The likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Max Dowman and Marli Salmon have all emerged through Arsenal's academy to feature for the first team during Mertesacker's tenure as manager of Arsenal's academy.
On De Maesschalck's appointment, Arsenal's Sporting Director Andrea Berta said: "We are delighted to welcome Pascal to Arsenal. He brings extensive experience from some of Europe's leading football clubs and has an outstanding track record in youth development.
"We are excited to have him with us as we continue to build for the future, developing young players and identifying the best emerging talent to join Arsenal on a journey towards professional football."
Arsenal players going deep in World Cup as holidays start for otherspublished at 08:49 BST 3 July
08:49 BST 3 July
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
With a squad that won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final, Arsenal were always going to have a lot of players involved in the World Cup.
Arsenal fans will be concerned that Rice is pushing himself to the limit as he deals with an ongoing hamstring issue and was pictured icing the area after England's 2-1 win over DR Congo.
But the midfielder is a key man and, if England go deep in the tournament, Rice could be in action for another two weeks.
The same can be said for forward Bukayo Saka, who is having his game time managed by England boss Thomas Tuchel as he gets over an Achilles problem.
But there is some relief for Gunners supporters, too. Now the knockout rounds are under way and teams are getting sent home, players can start to get some rest before the next campaign - even if it is not what they had hoped for.
Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres are now both out of the World Cup as Germany and Sweden lost their last-32 matches to Paraguay and France respectively.
Piero Hincapie was on the losing side as Ecuador were eliminated by Mexico and it was a nightmare ending for the defender, who was sent off for covering his mouth during an altercation with an oppponent.
Belgium's Leandro Trossard is preparing for a match against co-hosts USA, while the Spanish contingent of David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi are all still in the tournament and have progressed to the last 16 too.
The World Cup is the highest honour for players but Mikel Arteta will hope that some of his players can now get some rest as they prepare to defend their Premier League title.
The Gunners remain determined to sign 28-year-old Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and believe a £60m package is still possible for the Brazilian. (Sun), external
