Sam Blitz

Borussia Dortmund beat Arsenal 3-2 at the Emirates to win the pre-season Emirates Cup, leaving Arsenal with consecutive defeats after also losing to Real Betis. Dortmund led 2-0 at half-time through Samuele Inacio and Konstantinos Karetsas, while Joane Gadou restored a two-goal advantage after Ethan Nwaneri had pulled one back. Viktor Gyokeres scored a late penalty won by the impressive Christos Tzolis, but Arsenal could not complete the comeback. Mikel Arteta admitted that Arsenal conceded poor goals and must improve their collective defending, with injuries and the absence of several first-team players contributing to the problems. The defensive vulnerability is a concern ahead of the Community Shield against Manchester City, although Tzolis, Martin Odegaard, Max Dowman and Nwaneri provided positives.

Arsenal have missed out on their two leading attacking targets, with Vinicius Junior committing to a new Real Madrid contract and Morgan Rogers joining Chelsea for £117m. The club could pursue Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, although his £145m valuation may be too high, or consider alternatives such as Marcus Rashford and Rafael Leao. Arsenal may instead retain Gabriel Martinelli and rely on new signing Christos Tzolis. Other options include targeting Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, or strengthening the defence after William Saliba’s injury, with Ezri Konsa under consideration. The key question is whether Arsenal should spend heavily on a less-preferred target or preserve its resources while trusting the existing squad.

Argentina were widely defended by national newspapers despite a poor performance in their 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain, with outlets praising the team’s effort and national pride despite ill-discipline and limited attacking threat. Spanish media celebrated their team’s second World Cup title, calling the victory just and declaring Spain dominant and unstoppable.

Arsenal are finalizing the £34m signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge as a direct replacement for Leandro Trossard. Tzolis arrives following an exceptional season with 51 goal contributions and is praised for versatility, durability, professionalism and intensity. Former assistant coach Hayk Milkon highlights his strong central threat, work rate and competitive temperament. Despite past struggles at Norwich, his Champions League data and consistent scoring record across Belgium and Germany support his potential to adapt to the Premier League. Comparisons with high-volume shooters such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia further elevate expectations, suggesting the move aligns with Arsenal’s recruitment strategy.

Thomas Tuchel criticised England’s performance in their 2-1 extra‑time World Cup quarter-final win over Norway, calling the display sloppy and fortunate despite the victory. Jude Bellingham, who scored both goals, dismissed the criticism with a terse response, while Harry Kane acknowledged room for improvement despite the team’s progress. Norway threatened throughout, including a disallowed goal and a strike against the bar. Analysts highlighted England’s reliance on individual brilliance and the growing influence of Bellingham. England now advance to face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals.

England advanced to the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 extra‑time win over Norway driven by Jude Bellingham’s two goals, while several teammates delivered mixed performances, including a subdued showing from Harry Kane and influential contributions off the bench from Bukayo Saka and Morgan Rogers. Player ratings highlighted England’s defensive resilience, Norway’s pressure during key spells, and the tactical adjustments that shaped the match as England prepare to face Argentina or Switzerland in the next round.

Arsenal signed Illan Meslier on a free transfer after his release from Leeds United, adding him as a third‑choice goalkeeper on a two‑year deal with an option for a third. Meslier expressed pride in joining the Premier League champions after seven seasons and 215 appearances with Leeds. His arrival enables Tommy Setford to pursue a loan move, while uncertainty remains around Kepa Arrizabalaga’s long‑term future as he continues as David Raya’s backup. Leeds’ goalkeeping changes and Arsenal’s early Premier League fixture schedule are also outlined.

Preview of the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals assessing each team’s route, standout performers, rising talents, strengths, and weaknesses. France enter as favourites led by Mbappe, while Morocco rely on Hakimi and a balanced attack. Spain showcase strong defensive form, with Belgium thriving through Trossard’s creativity but lacking impact from De Bruyne and Doku. Norway’s progress is powered by Haaland and emerging winger Nusa, as England depend on Kane, Bellingham, and tactical adjustments amid right‑back issues. Argentina advance through Messi’s scoring brilliance but remain susceptible to counter-attacks, whereas Switzerland’s hopes hinge on the return of Manzambi and Ndoye’s threat on the break.

Arsenal are set to sign former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer, with the Frenchman expected to serve as the club’s third-choice keeper. The move would allow young goalkeeper Tommy Setford to leave on loan, while Kepa Arrizabalaga remains David Raya’s deputy amid uncertainty about his long-term future. Meslier, previously Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper, fell down the pecking order after errors during the 2024–25 season and did not make any appearances last term behind Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri.