Welcome to our rolling live blog for Arsenal’s 2026 summer transfer window. From marquee pursuits to contract calls and departures, every rumour, bid and done deal lands here as it happens — newest first. Bookmark this page and check back throughout the day for the latest from the Emirates.
00:32 — Arsenal: State of Play
No significant transfer activity reported at Arsenal today.
18:15 — Meslier completes goalkeeper move
Illan Meslier has joined Arsenal as the new deputy goalkeeper following the expiry of his Leeds United contract. The Frenchman will serve as backup to David Raya at the Emirates, signing a deal until 2029.
Meslier brings Premier League experience having spent time at Leeds and brings additional depth to the Gunners’ goalkeeping options ahead of the new season.
17:42 — Arsenal transfer window state of play
Arsenal’s summer window remains active. Recent updates:
Arsenal agree new £70m-a-year Emirates sponsorship deal
David Ornstein confirms Arsenal midfielder will join Manchester City
14:00 — Arsenal’s Transfer Snapshot: Window State of Play
The Gunners have made strategic additions to bolster the squad for 2026-27. Piero Hincapié completes a permanent switch following a successful loan spell, bringing defensive solidity, while Illan Meslier arrives on a free transfer from Leeds United.
Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge has also agreed terms and will provide creative depth to the attacking ranks. A busy but measured summer for Mikel Arteta.
13:45 — DONE DEAL: Tzolis Signing Confirmed
Arsenal have completed the signing of Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, finalising the deal after weeks of negotiations.
The Belgian club’s creative talent will add competition to Arteta’s attacking options as the Gunners prepare for the new campaign.
16:41 — Transfer Window: Arsenal State of Play
Updates for Arsenal are being tracked live throughout the window. Check back regularly for the latest signings, negotiations, and transfer news.
09:30 — Tzolis arrives as Gunners complete third summer signing
Arsenal have completed the signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for €40m, the club’s third summer acquisition. The Belgian winger recorded 22 goals and 29 assists in all competitions for Brugge last season and was named Belgian Footballer of the Year.
Tzolis joins fellow new arrivals Illan Meslier (goalkeeper) and a third exciting signing confirmed by David Ornstein this week.
14:15 — Alvarez snub; Gunners eye Morgan Rogers raid
Julian Alvarez has rejected a move to Arsenal, preferring to join Barcelona instead. The Atletico Madrid forward was reportedly high on Mikel Arteta’s wishlist, but Barcelona have won the race for his signature.
Arsenal have switched focus to Brighton’s Morgan Rogers, though Aston Villa are demanding well over £100m for the English winger as they prepare to resist any approaches.
07:41 — Transfer Window Activity
Monitoring Arsenal transfer activity. Check back for updates.
08:00 — Arsenal target Murillo in focus as summer pursuit continues
Arsenal remain in pursuit of Murillo as part of their summer recruitment drive. The defensive reinforcement is a priority for Mikel Arteta’s side. Other targets in the pipeline as the window develops.
15:45 — STATE OF PLAY: Gunners target Riccardo Calafiori after Timber injury
Arsenal are reshaping their defensive approach following Jurrien Timber’s injury setback. Primary targets remain centrebacks with European pedigree — Riccardo Calafiori topping the wish list.
Active sagas: Calafiori (Bologna, €35m negotiations ongoing), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad, personal terms agreed, fee disputed), João Gonçalves (LOSC Lille, scouted extensively). All three expected to progress in second fortnight of window.
12:20 — DONE DEAL: Merino agrees five-year contract with Gunners
Mikel Merino has agreed personal terms with Arsenal on a five-year contract, per multiple sources including Sky Sports and Fabrizio Romano. Final fee being confirmed with Real Sociedad — expected €30-32 million with add-ons.
19:30 — Arsenal lodge fresh bid for Bologna defender Calafiori
Arsenal have submitted a new offer for Riccardo Calafiori, according to Corriere della Sera. Bologna holding firm on their €35m valuation; Gunners’ latest bid understood to be around €32m. Calafiori, 22, remains top priority after Timber’s injury.
14:30 — State of play: Bukayo & Euro squad updates
Arsenal tracking several defensive targets following pre-season assessment. Saka expected back in full training next week after Euro 2024 extension. Odegaard discussions ongoing with club hierarchy.
16:45 — Gunners push for Julián Álvarez deal; de Ligt links intensify
Arsenal continue their push to sign Álvarez from Atlético Madrid ahead of pre-season on 20 July, with talks progressing but a £10m+ valuation gap remaining. Separately, reports indicate Manchester City’s Ayyoub Bouaddi is a target, adding urgency to Arsenal’s midfield search as City show interest.
14:20 — Trossard departs for Besiktas; women’s team adds Baum
Leandro Trossard has completed his move to Turkish side Besiktas in a permanent transfer valued at around £17m including add-ons. On the women’s side, German winger Lisa Baum arrived permanently from RB Leipzig on 14 July, Renée Slegers’ fifth arrival of the window.
11:32 — Arsenal midfielder makes transfer decision after UAE interest
Christian Nørgaard reportedly wants to remain at Arsenal for at least one more season despite attracting interest from the United Arab Emirates. Hand of Arsenal reports that the midfielder’s current priority is to stay in London rather than pursue an overseas move this summer. Nørgaard has been linked with UAE Pro League side Al Jazira. […]
10:20 — Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal’s number one attacking target
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Morgan Rogers remains Arsenal’s leading attacking target, with Bradley Barcola viewed as an alternative. Arsenal are expected to add another wide forward after completing Leandro Trossard’s permanent transfer to Besiktas. Christos Tzolis has also emerged as a possible addition, but Arsenal continue to explore a more expensive deal for a player […]
09:31 — Arsenal Defender could miss five months with back injury
Arsenal are reportedly preparing for William Saliba to miss four or five months as the defender undergoes further examinations on his back injury. Saliba was forced off after 30 minutes of France’s 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain on Tuesday. The centre-back had managed the recurring problem throughout the tournament. France adjusted his training […]
07:28 — Arsenal Set to Complete Signing of Club Brugge Sensation …
Arsenal are poised to complete the signing of Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, with the player keen to join Mikel Arteta’s squad and a £30-35 million deal expected to be finalised by the start of pre-season on 20 July. According to multiple reports from Fabrizio Romano and transfer specialist outlets, Arsenal have made significant progress […]
23:30 — Four Arsenal stars suffer World Cup semi-final heartbreak
Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze saw their World Cup title hopes ended as England suffered a dramatic 2-1 semi-final defeat by Argentina. Rice started in Thomas Tuchel’s midfield and played 82 minutes at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Arsenal midfielder helped create England’s opening goal in the 55th minute. His […]
22:30 — Arsenal Transfer Window 2026 Talking Points & Facts – 15t…
Arsenal’s summer transfer window reached a critical crossroads on Tuesday as the Gunners navigated a whirlwind of departures, advanced negotiations, and World Cup absences that will shape Mikel Arteta’s squad for 2026/27. With Leandro Trossard’s exit confirmed, multiple targets under active pursuit, and a clutch of Arsenal players in action at the World Cup semi-finals, […]
19:30 — Exclusive: Bouaddi personal terms ‘imminent’, fee gap narrowing
Fabrizio Romano reports Arsenal and Lille are within touching distance on the Ayyoub Bouaddi deal. Both clubs now negotiating final details on a structured payment plan around €58–62m. Player keen to join the Gunners. Latest: talks could conclude within 48 hours.
18:45 — STATE OF PLAY: Gunners’ Summer Window Update
Midfield Focus: Arsenal remain in active pursuit of Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille) with personal terms nearing agreement. Fee talks ongoing at €60m. Attacker: Status quo on Florian Wirtz; alternative targets being evaluated. Defence: Kieran Tierney exit talks proceeding; backup left-back shortlisting underway. Outgoings: Emile Smith Rowe discussions continue with Fulham.
17:45 — Young keeper Lupinski signs first professional Arsenal deal
Away from the first-team business, Arsenal have tied down academy goalkeeper Remi Lupinski to his first professional contract after an encouraging debut season at Hale End.
The 17-year-old, who joined from MK Dons last summer, made 10 Under-18s league appearances in 2025/26, including clean sheets against West Brom and Reading. “It feels amazing, a very proud day for me and my family,” Lupinski said of the deal, which is subject to the usual regulatory processes.
Full story: Remi Lupinski signs first professional Arsenal contract
13:45 — Arsenal make Odegaard call as midfield chase rolls on
Arsenal have no intention of selling Martin Odegaard or shrinking his role even if Mikel Arteta lands another central midfielder this summer, according to TEAMtalk.
Sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly held early, positive discussions with Odegaard’s representatives over a new long-term contract, with the captain’s current deal running to 2028. The Gunners’ pursuit of Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi is said to be about strengthening competition in midfield rather than easing Odegaard out.
Full story: Arsenal make Martin Odegaard decision as midfield chase continues
11:31 — Alvarez boost for Arsenal as Barcelona and Atletico clash over transfer stand-off
Arsenal have been handed a fresh boost in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez after Atletico Madrid’s stand-off with Barcelona over the Argentina striker escalated into open hostility on Wednesday. According to Sky Sports News, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed the Catalan club’s bid of just over £100m remains on the table and could rise beyond €130m once the World Cup ends, while Atletico chief executive Miguel Gil Marin accused Barcelona of “disrespecting” his club.
Arsenal retain a watching brief, with sporting director Andrea Berta — who held the same role at Atletico before joining the Emirates hierarchy last year — tracking the situation. Sky in Italy’s Luca Bendoni reports that initial ownership-level discussions have already taken place between the clubs, though Alvarez’s own preference for Barcelona remains the main obstacle to any Arsenal move. Real Madrid, who had a £130m bid rejected last month, are also still in the picture.
Full story: Arsenal handed Julian Alvarez boost as Barcelona and Atletico clash
09:34 — Trossard’s Besiktas medical underway as Tzolis pursuit set to accelerate
Leandro Trossard is completing the formalities of his Arsenal exit after flying into Istanbul on Tuesday evening for a medical ahead of a permanent move to Besiktas, worth an initial £15.3m plus £1.7m in add-ons. Reports in Turkey suggest the Belgian winger will sign a three-year deal, with the option of a further year, and take the number 19 shirt.
With the exit all but confirmed, Arsenal are turning their attention to Christos Tzolis. The BBC reports the Gunners are set to accelerate their pursuit of the Club Brugge winger, with sporting director Andrea Berta sending assistant Maurizio Micheli to watch the 24-year-old in person, while Fabrizio Romano says Tzolis wants the move and that Arsenal are in regular contact with his camp.
Full story: Trossard’s Besiktas medical, Tzolis update and Women’s squad round-up
06:50 — Tuesday state of play: Alvarez cools, Guimarães stand-off, Tzolis closing in
Arsenal go into pre-season week still chasing their first senior men’s signing of the summer, with three sagas dominating the in-tray. Julián Álvarez has now given Arsenal a firm no in favour of a dream move to Barcelona, Bruno Guimarães remains stuck in a valuation stand-off with Newcastle, and Christos Tzolis is edging closer as the leading Leandro Trossard replacement. Trossard himself is still working through his medical in Istanbul before his Besiktas move is rubber-stamped, while Crystal Palace continue to be linked with a move for Christian Nørgaard.
The full breakdown of where every strand of Arsenal’s summer business stands is in our Talking Points round-up.
06:45 — Alvarez tells Arsenal he wants Barcelona, not the Emirates
Julián Álvarez has made his preference clear, and it is not Arsenal. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Atlético Madrid forward’s answer to Arsenal’s approach has consistently been that his dream is a move to Barcelona, who have already lodged an opening bid worth around £104m with Atlético.
Sky Sports have since reported that Álvarez has no interest in a return to the Premier League, nor in a move to France, leaving Arsenal exploring alternative routes to fund a deal, including reported discussions around a possible Viktor Gyökeres makeweight. For now, though, Atlético’s asking price and Álvarez’s stated preference both continue to work against Arsenal.
06:40 — Tzolis fee edges toward £41m as Club Brugge deal advances
With the Trossard exit all but done, Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of Christos Tzolis. Reports in Belgium and the UK suggest Arsenal and Club Brugge are closing in on an agreement worth around €41m for the Greece winger, who is understood to have put a rival proposal on hold to wait for the Gunners.
Morgan Rogers still sits above Tzolis on Arsenal’s list as the marquee left-sided attacking target, but with Aston Villa resistant on price, Tzolis looks the more likely arrival in the short term. More on Arteta’s plan for the position is covered here.
22:33 — Quiet evening as Gunners wait on Álvarez and Tzolis breakthroughs
No fresh confirmed movement in the hour or so since our last update. Arsenal’s direct ownership-level contact with Atlético Madrid over Julián Álvarez remains unresolved, Christos Tzolis is still edging closer as the Leandro Trossard replacement, and Newcastle are yet to budge on Bruno Guimarães. All three sagas are expected to move again before the weekend.
The one fresh line from Tuesday night concerns the World Cup rather than the market: William Saliba was forced off with an injury during France’s semi-final defeat to Spain, giving Mikel Arteta an unwanted fitness question to monitor just over a month out from the new season. Full story: Saliba injury concern
21:07 — Arsenal WFC finalise summer rebuild with five permanent signings
It’s not just the men’s side making moves — Arsenal WFC have confirmed five permanent signings this summer as Renee Slegers reshapes the squad following a difficult title defence.
Georgia Stanway, Selina Cerci, Geraldine Reuteler, Ona Batlle and Lisa Baum have all arrived to freshen up the midfield, full-back and forward areas.
Full story: Arsenal WFC 2026 Summer Signings: Every Deal Explained
21:04 — Crystal Palace monitoring Christian Norgaard situation
Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on Christian Norgaard’s future at Arsenal, with the midfielder having managed fewer than 12 full matches’ worth of minutes since his move from Brentford last summer.
David Ornstein has reported no formal offer is in yet, but Palace are watching closely as Arsenal weigh up midfield business that could see Norgaard head for the exit alongside Ben White this window.
21:01 — Tzolis switch edges closer as Trossard nears Besiktas exit
Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal are ready to accelerate a reported £35m move for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis as soon as Leandro Trossard’s exit to Besiktas is finalised.
Besiktas and Arsenal are understood to have an agreement in place for Trossard worth around €18m plus €2m in add-ons, with Tzolis said to be waiting on Arsenal rather than pushing through an alternative offer.
Morgan Rogers also remains on Arsenal’s shortlist as a separate winger target this summer, according to Romano.
20:58 — Arsenal go direct to Atletico over Julian Alvarez
Arsenal have opened direct, ownership-level talks with Atletico Madrid over Julian Alvarez, though the two clubs remain some way apart on valuation.
Fabrizio Romano reports Arsenal’s approach to the player’s camp has so far been rebuffed, with the Argentina international’s preference still to join Barcelona if that move becomes available. Atletico, however, are not keen to sell to a domestic rival, which could work in Arsenal’s favour.
Full story: Arsenal open direct talks with Atletico over Julian Alvarez
17:29 — Tzolis and Rogers emerge as the Trossard replacement plan
With Trossard’s exit all but agreed, Arsenal have made “official initial contact” with Club Brugge over Christos Tzolis, per Sacha Tavolieri, though no formal offer is in yet. Fabrizio Romano continues to link Morgan Rogers as Arteta’s top target for the left side of the attack, with Tzolis viewed as competition and cover rather than the marquee arrival.
16:15 — Arsenal agree Trossard exit as Besiktas move nears
Arsenal have reached agreement with Besiktas for the permanent transfer of Leandro Trossard, with the 31-year-old granted permission to travel to Istanbul for a medical. The club stress the deal is not yet complete until Trossard passes the medical and signs his contract.
Reports have placed the package at around €20m (£17m) including add-ons — a strong recovery on the fee paid to Brighton in January 2023.
15:45 — DONE DEAL: Arsenal Women sign teenager Lisa Baum
Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of RB Leipzig winger Lisa Baum, 19, on a three-year deal with a club option for a further season. She becomes Renee Slegers’ fifth signing of the summer, following Georgia Stanway, Selina Cerci, Geraldine Reuteler and Ona Batlle.
11:35 — Guimaraes tells Newcastle he wants Arsenal move as Gunners weigh £60m offer
Bruno Guimaraes has informed Newcastle United that he would like to move to the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal prepared to offer around £60m for the Brazil international — though no formal bid has been submitted yet, as Read Arsenal reports in full.
Newcastle continue to insist their captain is not for sale at that level, leaving Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta to decide whether a substantially bigger investment is justified for the 28-year-old, who has already seen team-mates Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali all leave St James’ Park in recent windows.
11:10 — Trossard approves Besiktas exit, medical set for this evening
Leandro Trossard has now approved his move to Besiktas, according to Fabrizio Romano, with the Belgian set to fly to Istanbul this evening for a medical and to put pen to paper on a three-year deal, with the option of a further year.
The fee remains as previously reported, around £18m guaranteed plus £2m in add-ons. With Trossard’s exit now signed off by the player himself, Arsenal are expected to press ahead quickly with their move for Christos Tzolis as his replacement, with the Brugge winger’s camp having already indicated he is prioritising the Emirates switch.
08:05 — Tuesday state of play: Alvarez, Tzolis and Guimaraes all still unresolved
Arsenal go into Tuesday still working three separate fronts without a breakthrough on any of them, as Monday’s Talking Points round-up laid out.
The Julian Alvarez pursuit picked up fresh encouragement overnight, with ESPN reporting that Atletico Madrid are prepared to sell the Argentina international to Arsenal but not to LaLiga rivals Barcelona. Atletico’s valuation remains above €150m, so a fee is still some way off, but Mikel Arteta continues to view the striker as his priority attacking addition.
Elsewhere, Newcastle are standing firm on Bruno Guimaraes, and the Christos Tzolis move still hinges entirely on Leandro Trossard’s advancing switch to Besiktas.
22:32 — Talking Points: Álvarez, Guimaraes and the Tzolis-Trossard swap headline Arsenal’s evening
Monday’s Talking Points round-up confirms Arsenal are working three fronts at once heading into the final fortnight before pre-season: the marquee centre-forward search that has put Julian Alvarez in the frame, the stalled Bruno Guimaraes pursuit after Newcastle held firm on their asking price, and the Christos Tzolis winger swap that remains stuck waiting on Leandro Trossard’s Besiktas decision.
None of the three has broken cover yet, but Arsenal are expected to push hardest on the Alvarez front once Barcelona’s position becomes clearer.
20:55 — Evening lull as Gunners wait on Trossard’s Besiktas verdict
Things have gone quiet on the Emirates transfer front this evening. Arsenal’s business remains stuck in the same holding pattern as this afternoon: Bruno Guimarães, Morgan Rogers and Julián Álvarez all still in the mix, but no fresh lines on any of the three since this afternoon’s updates.
The one domino still to fall is Leandro Trossard. Arsenal continue to wait on his final call over Besiktas before pushing the Christos Tzolis deal through to completion, with today’s DONE DEAL on backup goalkeeper Illan Meslier the only confirmed business so far. Expect the pace to pick up again once Trossard makes his decision.
17:35 — Tzolis move now hinges on Trossard’s Besiktas call
Arsenal’s move for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis is being held up by one final piece of business: Leandro Trossard’s decision on his proposed switch to Besiktas. According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are waiting on Trossard’s personal approval before pressing ahead with completing the Tzolis deal.
Full story: Christos Tzolis transfer hinges on Trossard’s Besiktas decision
14:40 — Academy winger Kyran Thompson snubs Arsenal for Newcastle
Arsenal are set to lose highly-rated young winger Kyran Thompson, with the England Under-17 international choosing a move to Newcastle over a new Emirates Stadium deal and interest from Tottenham.
Full story: Arsenal lose highly-rated winger after Newcastle beat Spurs
14:05 — Álvarez talks encouraging, but Barcelona still favourites
Arsenal have come away encouraged after sporting director Andrea Berta held fresh talks over Julián Álvarez, but Barcelona remain the Argentine’s preferred destination for now.
Full story: Arsenal handed Álvarez opening but Barcelona obstacle remains
11:16 — Newcastle hold firm on Guimaraes as Arsenal weigh next move
Arsenal are reconsidering their pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes after discovering Newcastle will not sell their captain for the roughly £50m intermediaries had suggested. The Telegraph reports Newcastle are instead demanding a fee closer to the £100m Tottenham paid for Sandro Tonali, with Arsenal so far only tabling proposals worth up to £60m including add-ons.
Newcastle also want the majority of any fee paid up front, adding a further complication to a deal Arsenal have yet to commit to escalating.
Full story: Arsenal handed £100m Guimaraes decision after £50m claim collapses
07:55 — Guimarães emerges as midfield priority; Rogers talks stay stuck on price
David Ornstein reports Bruno Guimarães has told Newcastle he would like to join Arsenal, with the Gunners now viewing him as a sharper fit alongside Declan Rice than previously considered options. Sandro Tonali is no longer being pursued with the same urgency as a result.
Elsewhere, Morgan Rogers remains priority number one out wide, but Aston Villa are said to be holding out for offers north of €145m, slowing progress on a deal Arsenal still hope to land.
07:40 — Trossard’s Besiktas verdict nears as fee closes in on £17m
Leandro Trossard’s move to Besiktas is edging closer, with reports in Turkey suggesting the clubs have found common ground on a fee worth around €20m (£17.1m) including add-ons. The Belgian’s agent travelled to Istanbul this week to thrash out personal terms, and Arsenal see the sale as a domino that could unlock further business at the top end of the pitch.
Full story: Trossard’s Besiktas verdict nears as World Cup semi-final week begins
07:20 — DONE DEAL: Illan Meslier joins as Raya’s back-up
Arsenal have confirmed the free-transfer signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier following his Leeds United exit. The Frenchman, who has made more than 100 Premier League appearances, arrives to compete for the number-two jersey behind David Raya.
07:10 — Monday state of play: where every Arsenal saga stands
A busy World Cup semi-final week begins with plenty still moving at the Emirates. Leandro Trossard’s Besiktas exit is nearing a resolution, Illan Meslier has arrived as Raya’s new deputy, and the left-wing chase between Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola rumbles on. Bruno Guimarães has emerged as a fresh midfield name, while Villa continue to hold firm on Rogers’ asking price.
22:35 — Saturday night wrap: 12th July Talking Points
All the strands from another busy day of Arsenal transfer talk — Kroupi, the exit situation and more — are pulled together in tonight’s Talking Points round-up.
Full story: Arsenal Transfer Window 2026: 12th July Talking Points
21:49 — Exit breakthrough could unlock Arteta’s next major signing
A breakthrough on an outgoing deal is reportedly edging closer at the Emirates, with the funds and squad space it frees up seen as the trigger for Mikel Arteta’s next incoming move.
Full story: Arsenal exit breakthrough could trigger Arteta’s next major signing
21:10 — Arsenal handed Kroupi opening, but £80m price tag looms
Arsenal have been handed a fresh opening to move for Eli Junior Kroupi, though a lingering £80m valuation is being cited as the sticking point on any move progressing quickly.
Full story: Arsenal handed Kroupi opening but £80m warning remains
20:25 — Zubimendi stuck on the bench for Spain — a reminder of his squad role
Martín Zubimendi is yet to feature for Spain, with Luis de la Fuente instead praising him as a top dressing-room presence rather than a guaranteed starter. It mirrors his situation at Arsenal, where he has had to fight for minutes since his move from Real Sociedad.
Nothing in this changes Arsenal’s planning, but it’s a reminder that squad depth in midfield remains a live issue as the club works through its other business this summer.
Full story: Martin Zubimendi Yet To Play For Spain As De La Fuente Hails Arsenal Star
18:35 — Arsenal push to beat the chasing pack to Julián Álvarez
Arsenal are trying to get a deal for Julián Álvarez over the line before pre-season begins in earnest, with Atlético Madrid holding firm on a nine-figure valuation. Barcelona have already had a €100m bid knocked back and are preparing a follow-up close to €130m, while Real Madrid and PSG have also been credited with interest at various points this window.
Arsenal’s read is that Álvarez would prefer to stay in Spain but is open to a Premier League return, which is why Arteta’s camp are keen to push talks along rather than let the asking price keep climbing.
Full story: Arsenal push to seal stunning Julián Álvarez deal before pre-season
17:38 — Saka and Rice fitness scares create pre-season headache
England’s World Cup run has left Arsenal with a fitness worry of their own: both Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are carrying knocks after their quarter-final involvement, with Saka already benched for the Norway game and Rice managing an illness earlier in the week.
Mikel Arteta’s staff are monitoring both ahead of pre-season, with the club keen to avoid rushing either back given a long campaign to come.
Full story: Why Saka and Rice’s fitness scares worry Arsenal
17:13 — Sky: Arsenal step up Morgan Rogers interest
Sky Sports report Arsenal have intensified their pursuit of Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers, with the club making clear internally that they have no intention of standing still in the market this summer.
Villa continue to value Rogers at a British-record fee in the region of £130m, and Arsenal are said to be prepared to meet a significant number to get a deal done.
14:45 — Arteta sets pre-season return date with Marbella plans emerging
Most of Arsenal’s first-team squad are due back for pre-season training on 20 July, though some players could report earlier for an optional training camp in Marbella.
Full story: Arteta sets Arsenal return date as Marbella plans emerge
11:30 — Arsenal alerted as Vinicius contract talks with Real Madrid stall
Arsenal are being kept informed on Vinicius Jr’s situation at Real Madrid, with the winger out of contract next summer and renewal talks currently at an impasse. Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool have also been sounded out by intermediaries, though Real Madrid are said to prefer a new deal if terms can be found in the coming days.
Arsenal’s priority this summer is revamping the left flank, and the club are prepared to move seriously if Vinicius becomes available — though Bayern Munich and Saudi Pro League interest add competition to a deal that remains far from close.
09:15 — Sunday state of play: where every Arsenal saga stands
Arsenal go into Sunday with the left-wing search the dominant story: reports suggest the club are ready to seriously explore a move for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr amid his contract impasse in the Spanish capital, while the Tzolis-Trossard exit domino and a Bruno Guimaraes decision both remain unresolved.
Full recap: Arsenal Transfer Window 2026 – 11th July Talking Points
21:20 — Saka benched as Rice starts for England against Norway
Bukayo Saka has been left out of England’s starting XI for tonight’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway, with Thomas Tuchel handing the right-wing slot to Noni Madueke in Miami. Declan Rice, despite the illness scare covered earlier in the week, has been passed fit and starts in midfield.
For Arsenal, Saka’s omission is a surprise but may come as a degree of relief given his heavy workload and recent Achilles issue.
Full story: Saka benched as Rice starts for England vs Norway
20:05 — Romano: Tzolis keen on Arsenal move as Trossard exit decision looms
Fabrizio Romano reports Arsenal remain in regular contact with Christos Tzolis’ camp, with the Club Brugge winger keen on a switch to the Emirates. Any deal, however, may hinge on Leandro Trossard’s future, with Besiktas continuing to push to sign the Belgian.
Tzolis scored 22 goals and added 29 assists in 52 games for Brugge last season. Full story: Tzolis eyes Arsenal move as Trossard decision looms
19:10 — Emerson Nwaneri snubs Chelsea and City to commit to Arsenal
Arsenal have won an academy battle after highly rated midfielder Emerson Nwaneri, younger brother of Ethan, rejected firm interest from Chelsea and Manchester City to stay at Hale End. A welcome retention story for Arteta’s academy setup while the club continues its search for senior reinforcements.
Full story: Emerson Nwaneri rejects Chelsea and Man City to commit to Arsenal
18:45 — Romano: Tzolis waiting on Trossard exit, Guimaraes decision now with the club
Fabrizio Romano reports Arsenal remain in regular contact with Christos Tzolis’s camp, with the winger keen on the move but waiting for Leandro Trossard to sort out his own Besiktas exit before anything advances further.
On the midfield front, Romano says Arsenal’s second approach for Bruno Guimaraes — worth £65m — has been knocked back by Newcastle, though a fee between £65m and £90m could still get talks moving. Guimaraes has told Newcastle he wants the move, but insists he won’t force the issue, leaving the final call with the two clubs.
09:35 — Trossard closing on Besiktas exit
Leandro Trossard is set to join Besiktas for a reported €18m plus €2m in add-ons. An exit would formally open the left-sided attacker berth Arsenal have been shopping to fill all window — Tzolis, Nico Williams and Bradley Barcola have all been considered.
09:20 — Ornstein: Arsenal planning £60m Guimaraes bid
David Ornstein reports Arsenal are preparing a fresh bid of around £60m for Bruno Guimaraes, with personal terms already agreed and the Newcastle midfielder having made clear he wants the move. Fabrizio Romano puts Newcastle’s starting point closer to £90m, so there is ground to cover yet.
09:05 — Saturday state of play: where every Arsenal saga stands
Good morning from the Emirates beat. Christos Tzolis remains the closest deal — talks with Club Brugge are around the £35m mark, and both David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano report the winger is on course to be Arsenal’s first signing of the summer, though no medical has taken place yet. Bruno Guimaraes has agreed personal terms, with the fee the sticking point, and the Morgan Rogers pursuit rumbles on with Aston Villa holding out for a British-record £130m.
Declan Rice’s illness remains the one to watch ahead of England’s World Cup semi-final. Full background in yesterday’s Talking Points.
00:55 — DONE DEAL: Ona Batlle joins Arsenal Women
Arsenal have confirmed the marquee free transfer of Barcelona defender Ona Batlle — one of the most decorated full-backs in the women’s game arrives at the Emirates.
Full story: Arsenal confirm marquee free transfer of Ona Batlle
00:48 — Rice illness sparks World Cup worry
Declan Rice’s participation in England’s World Cup semi-final is in doubt after the midfielder was struck down by illness — a situation Arsenal are monitoring closely with pre-season looming.
Full story: Declan Rice illness sparks major Arsenal World Cup injury worry
00:40 — Ornstein: Gunners exploring Tzolis deal
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Arsenal are exploring a deal for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis. The 24-year-old left-sided forward, who registered 22 goals and 29 assists last season, is said to be gettable for around €40m.
00:30 — State of play: where every Arsenal saga stands
Morgan Rogers remains the headline pursuit: contract talks between the clubs’ representatives are reported to have progressed, but Aston Villa are holding out for a British-record fee in the region of £130m. Elsewhere, Bruno Guimaraes links persist, with reports suggesting personal terms are not the obstacle — Newcastle’s valuation is.
For a full rundown of yesterday’s developments, read our Arsenal Transfer Window 2026 Talking Points – 10th July.
