Alex Howell

Christos Tzolis made a major early impression for Arsenal by providing two assists in a 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City. The Greece international has impressed throughout pre-season with his chance creation, set-piece delivery, work rate and composure in the final third. His rise follows difficult years at Norwich City, followed by a prolific loan spell at Fortuna Düsseldorf and a breakout season with Club Brugge. Mikel Arteta believes Tzolis's intelligence, consistency and the quality of Arsenal's surrounding players can help him improve further, suggesting he may become a key attacker for the club.

Arsenal defeated Manchester City 3-0 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium to win the Community Shield. Riccardo Calafiori scored inside 30 seconds, Kai Havertz added a close-range header, and captain Martin Odegaard completed the victory after half-time. Arsenal’s midfield and defence controlled the match, with Christos Tzolis earning particular praise for supplying two assists, while City struggled to create chances and Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku were among those given low ratings.

Arsenal have missed out on signing Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior but have strengthened their midfield with Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães for about £75 million and added Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. With Jurrien Timber and William Saliba injured, the club is considering defensive targets including Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and Tottenham’s Cristian Romero. Possible attacking options include Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız, PSG’s Bradley Barcola, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams and Atlético Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, although high prices, rival interest and contract situations could complicate those moves. Arsenal must also manage its finances and potential departures while deciding whether to make further signings before the transfer window closes.

Myles Lewis-Skelly’s future at Arsenal is uncertain after a difficult season in which he fell behind Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie at left-back, despite a strong late-season resurgence in central midfield and impressive pre-season form. Manchester United and Chelsea have reportedly been offered the chance to sign him, although Arsenal deny actively offering the academy graduate and neither club appears ready to make an immediate move. Lewis-Skelly wants to remain at Arsenal and compete for a regular place, but Bruno Guimaraes’s £75m arrival has intensified midfield competition. Arsenal are seeking squad sales and could value Lewis-Skelly as an academy-produced financial asset, although new Squad Cost Ratio rules would spread the accounting benefit of a sale over three seasons.

Crystal Palace chairman and co-owner Steve Parish contacted Megan Sharpley, Dwight McNeil's partner, to resolve tensions stemming from McNeil's failed January transfer. McNeil has now joined Palace from Everton on a four-year contract in a swap deal involving Brennan Johnson. The January move collapsed when paperwork was not completed despite McNeil passing a medical, prompting Sharpley to criticize the club's handling of the situation and its impact on the player's mental health. McNeil expressed enthusiasm about joining Palace, who have enjoyed major success over the previous two seasons.

Arsenal are seeking further reinforcements after signing Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães for £75m and winger Christos Tzolis, while missing out on Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. Juventus winger Kenan Yıldız, Athletic Club’s Nico Williams and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola are among the attacking options, though cost, availability and competing interest complicate potential deals. Arsenal are also considering Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and Tottenham captain Cristian Romero because injuries to Jurrien Timber and William Saliba have weakened the defense. The club remains interested in Atlético Madrid striker Julian Álvarez, but Barcelona are pursuing him. Arsenal are also attempting to balance their finances by making Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson available for suitable offers before the transfer deadline.

Arsenal have signed former Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes for £75m on a four-year contract with an option for another year. The 28-year-old Brazil midfielder said leaving Newcastle was emotionally difficult but that he wanted a new challenge and the chance to win trophies. Guimaraes joined Newcastle in 2022 when the club faced relegation trouble, later helping it qualify for the Champions League and win the 2025 Carabao Cup under Eddie Howe. He is expected to strengthen Arsenal's midfield as the Premier League champions pursue further success.

Arsenal are moving to sign Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes as part of Mikel Arteta’s plan to build on the club’s first Premier League title in 22 years and challenge on multiple fronts. The 28-year-old offers Premier League experience, leadership, durability, defensive and creative passing, and the ability to perform under pressure. Newcastle’s results have been substantially better when he plays, while Arsenal believe his arrival will provide stronger rotation options alongside Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, raise the midfield’s quality, and reduce the impact of injuries during a demanding season.

Crystal Palace are interested in signing 19-year-old Brest centre-back Raphael le Guen as Maxence Lacroix nears a move to Chelsea. Le Guen made six Ligue 1 appearances in the 2025–26 season and started Brest's final four matches, including games against Paris Saint-Germain and Strasbourg. Palace are also considering Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima, who is reportedly open to joining the club and working under new head coach Pierre Sage. The club has previously recruited young French centre-backs, including Jaydee Canvot.

Arsenal face a compressed pre-season with several key players managing injuries after World Cup participation. William Saliba’s back problem is a major concern, with surgery a possible option that could sideline him for months. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are expected to require extended rest after playing through fitness issues. Depending on recovery timelines, Arsenal may adjust transfer plans, having already agreed a deal for Christos Tzolis and considering further reinforcements, particularly at centre-back. Player sales and additional attacking options are also being evaluated ahead of pre-season matches beginning in early August.

England are weighing an appeal after Jarell Quansah received a red card in the World Cup win over Mexico, a decision that could lead to a two‑match ban. The situation follows controversy over Folarin Balogun’s suspension being unexpectedly halted by FIFA after intervention from US President Donald Trump, prompting criticism and raising concerns about inconsistent disciplinary processes. With appeals normally disallowed, FIFA’s use of a rarely applied clause has opened the door for further challenges. Quansah’s dismissal adds to England’s right‑back problems ahead of the quarter‑final against Norway as injuries have already stretched the team’s defensive options.

Crystal Palace supporters are divided over Oliver Glasner’s decision to join Nottingham Forest after leading Palace through an unprecedented period of success that included three major trophies and their first European campaign. Tensions between the clubs stem from Palace's demotion from the Europa League after UEFA ruled against their ownership structure, with Forest benefiting from the ruling. Glasner’s time at Palace featured both historic achievements and internal disputes involving transfers and squad stability, yet he ultimately delivered significant success before announcing his departure. His move to Forest, a club involved in the events that disrupted Palace’s European ambitions, has unsettled some fans, while Forest supporters view his arrival as a sign of ambition following Vitor Pereira’s exit. Concerns remain about Glasner’s volatile relationships with club hierarchies, but his winning record makes him a high-profile appointment as Forest prepare for another turbulent season.

England face mounting right-back problems ahead of their World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo after Jarell Quansah and Reece James both missed training. Quansah is recovering from an ankle injury suffered against Panama, while James has yet to return to training following a hamstring issue. Previous withdrawals and squad selections have intensified scrutiny of defensive depth, leaving Thomas Tuchel to consider options such as Djed Spence or Ezri Konsa for the upcoming match.