Arsenal's defensive concerns dominate the day's coverage after conceding seven goals in three pre-season fixtures, with Sky Sports News asking whether a title-winning strength has become a surprise weakness. That worry is compounded by fitness news: William Saliba faces an extended spell out after breaking down with a back injury at the World Cup, and Mikel Arteta has confirmed Jurriën Timber remains well away from a return. The Guardian reports Arsenal are stepping up efforts to bring in defensive cover, with a fresh bid expected for Villa's Ezri Konsa, while other outlets also link the club with Cristian Romero.
In the transfer market more broadly, Bruno Guimaraes' £75m arrival is set to be followed swiftly by a debut, according to the Evening Standard, while Arsenal are reported to be in talks with West Ham over Reiss Nelson, one of several players the club is said to want to move on. Julian Alvarez, who has requested to leave Atletico Madrid, has also been linked, though nothing is confirmed. Elsewhere, Arsenal missed out on Vinicius Jr, per the BBC.
On the women's side, Jenna Nighswonger has completed a move to NWSL club Bay FC for a fee of around £150,000, per ESPN, after struggling for minutes since joining last year. Arsenal Women, meanwhile, opened pre-season with a 2-1 friendly win over Crystal Palace, Lisa Baum and Chloe Kelly scoring, before travelling to La Manga for a training camp.
Sources
- Who could Arsenal sign after missing out on Vinicius Jr? — BBC News
- Jenna Nighswonger signs for Bay FC — Arseblog News
- Arsenal step up push for defensive cover with Timber and Saliba sidelined — The Guardian
- The Transfer DealSheet: Latest on Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid and more — New York Times
- 'I have big plans': Mikel Arteta transfer target issues update with Arsenal in 'pole position' for £85m deal — London Evening Standard
- Has Arsenal's indifferent pre-season revealed a surprise weakness? — Sky Sports News
- Arsenal Women ramp up pre-season preparations — Arseblog News
- Chilean great Alexis Sánchez signs with CF Montréal, continues career in MLS: Sources — New York Times
- Arsenal handed fresh Julian Alvarez update after transfer request — London Evening Standard
- Arsenal and West Ham in talks over Reiss Nelson deal — London Evening Standard
- When will Bruno Guimaraes make his Arsenal debut? — London Evening Standard
- Who is Louis Page? Wonderkid dubbed 'the next Jude Bellingham' who supports Manchester United — London Evening Standard
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