Arsenal

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New Arsenal goalkeeper Illan Meslier has said he intends to "show that I want to play" after leaving Leeds at the end of his Elland Road contract.

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."

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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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.

Arsenaland Tottenham are among five Premier League sides eyeing a move for RB Leipzig and Norway winger Antonio Nusa, 21. (Teamtalk), external

Barcelonahave shortlisted Bournemouth's French striker Eli Junior Kroupi, 20, but could face competition from the Gunners, Spurs and Paris St-Germain. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are all chasing 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is starring in the World Cup for Morocco. (Football Insider), external

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

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

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Sami Mokbel and Ciaran Kelly
BBC Sport

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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.

• Read more

Arsenal have made 23-year-old midfielder Morgan Rogers their top target and want to sign the England international from Aston Villa. (Athletic - subscription required), external

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

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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.

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)

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

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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.

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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...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

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From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

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.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• All the highlights and best video

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

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)

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

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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?

Get in touch with your views here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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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."

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

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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.

The Gunners have four players in the England squad, with Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke all preparing for a last-16 tie against Mexico at the Azteca on Sunday.

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.

Arsenal are interested in signing England and Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, 28, this summer. (Telegraph- subscription required), external

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

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Manchester City have entered the race to sign Leicester City's teenage attacker Jeremy Monga.

Monga, 16, is attracting major interest from a number of Premier League clubs this summer, including from Arsenal and Brentford.

The Gunners are the most advanced in their interest, but City - who are long-term admirers of Monga - are understood to have made enquiries towards a potential move in recent days.

Monga - who turns 17 this month - agreed to a one-year scholarship contract which is set to turn into a professional contract 10 July.

That means interested parties will be required to pay a transfer fee for the teenager, wiith reports indicating Leicester want a minimum of £10m.

Monga, who has made 37 appearances for the Foxes, is the third-youngest player to feature in a Premier League match, behind Arsenal duo Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri.

Belgium secured their place in last-16 at the World Cup after beating Senegal 3-2 on Wednesday.

Arsenal's Leandro Trossard provided his first assist of the tournament, despite creating more chances than any other player at the World Cup (16).

Watch the full highlights above.

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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:

Mo: Vinicius Jr would be a dream signing for Arsenal. His pace, flair and ability to take on defenders would fit Arteta's football perfectly. Obviously he has been frustrated at Real Madrid, particularly with the treatment he has received and the racist abuse he has endured in Spain. The Premier League and London could offer him a fresh start. Arsenal fans would absolutely adore a player with his passion, skill and entertaining style. He is a proven winner who could take Arsenal to another level and make the club genuine contenders for every major trophy.

John: Morgan Rogers would bring a bit more swagger to the midfield.

Wishy: We need a permanent left winger. So I'm looking a Vinicius Jr. I know the price tag will be massive, but we may as well try.

Eric: Bradley Barcola's explosive pace, elite dribbling and high defensive work rate make him the perfect dynamic and left-sided counterpart to Bukayo Saka in Mikel Arteta's system.

Brian: Harry Kane - he may be getting old but he knows where the goal is. Nico Williams - young and experienced.

Cam: Summerville. Really like him and would change Arsenal along with signing Bouaddi.

Dom: Ayyoub Bouaddi - young, energetic and can play in multiple positions. Gives us more dynamics in midfield.

Tell us the players you've scouted so far

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Arsenal have a strong interest in Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

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, who has lost his place as number one at Leeds, is out of contract this summer and the 26-year-old is available on a free transfer.