BRUNO GUIMARAES has reportedly completed his Arsenal medical, with an announcement of his arrival expected soon.
Meanwhile, Gunners target Vinicius Jr is expected to stay at Real Madrid after the Spanish giants improved their contract offer to the Brazilian star, according to reports.
In other news, Christian Norgaard has completed his move to Everton, while Manchester United continue to target an ambitious move for Hale End graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly.
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Pre-season fixtures
Arsenal have just two games left in their pre-season before the Community Shield clash with Manchester City.
Timber time
Jurrien Timber was one of Arsenal’s key players in the Premier League last term.
However, the defender was the most punished by referees for fouling opposition players.
This was despite him missing the final two months of the season with injury.
Set me up
Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard bagged the joint most assists for Arsenal in their Premier League-winning campaign.
However, Mikel Arteta will not have Trossard to rely on and with Bruno Guimaraes set to arrive there could be a different leader next year.
Back of the net
Victor Gyokeres was Arsenal’s top scorer in the Premier League last season with 14.
He led the scoring charts in the team by some way, with Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze the next two on the list with seven each.
Who will be the club’s top scorer next season?
Arteta coy on Bruno
Mikel Arteta was asked about the impending arrival of Bruno Guimaraes after the defeat to Real Betis.
He said: “I’m not going to talk about any players who aren’t Arsenal players.
“I can tell you at the moment that something happens and we can announce it. I will give you my straight answer.”
Arsenal fans react to Vini development
Vinicius Junior has removed every single post from his Instagram – and even his profile picture.
Reports on the Real Madrid superstar have speculated about a possible blockbuster move to Arsenal.
The Brazilian, 26, has now caused even more of a stir after leaving his 64million followers without a post as fans are convinced it means a Premier League move is sealed.
Before wiping the slate, Vini had a whopping 788 posts with several story highlights.
And despite his profile snap usually being plain black, even that has vanished.
Eager fans rushed to social media to comment on the whirlwind of transfer rumours.
Norgaard on joining Everton
Christian Norgaard has completed his move to Everton from Arsenal.
He has signed a two-year deal with the Toffees with his contract set to expire in June 2028.
He said: “It feels amazing. I’m so, so happy and pleased to have joined Everton.
“There were many factors to it. I felt I needed a change and to play a bigger football role. When I spoke to David Moyes and others at the Club involved in the transfer, I heard about the whole project and I was very intrigued. Coming here just makes that feeling even stronger.
“Also, my past experience of playing against Everton: the whole atmosphere, the fans, is something I really look forward to experience as an Everton player. It’s a big, big honour for me, and it’s something I’ll do my very best, not only on game days, but in general to remember how much it means for people who support this club. It will be my mindset to represent the Club in the best possible way.
“I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere as an Everton player. Goodison was amazing. I just remember the ground was shaking – literally shaking. Then we came to the new stadium last year and I was so surprised because you often see clubs lose that intimacy and atmosphere [at a new stadium]. But I was so overwhelmed by how good the atmosphere was as well. So I can see that the soul from Goodison has been brought to the new stadium.”
Arsenal ratings
Max Dowman impressed for the Gunners despite the defeat to Real Betis.
But it was a night to forget for back-up goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as he failed to stake a claim for the no1 shirt.
Read how all the players fared here.
Arsenal beaten
Arsenal were beaten 3-1 by Real Betis in their pre-season friendly at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Copley injury
Arsenal prospect Louie Copley suffered a bad injury in the pre-season clash against Real Betis.
The 19-year-old got his foot caught in the turf and appeared to hurt his knee.
The injury happened just nine minutes after he entered the fray as a substitute.
Transfer news
Arsenal are not the only club making moves in the transfer market this summer.
See all the moves going on below.
Norgaard exit confirmed
Christian Norgaard’s £7million exit from Arsenal has been confirmed by Everton.
The midfielder spent just one season with the Gunners after his £10m arrival from Brentford last summer.
He helped the club win the Premier League in his sole campaign.
Guimaraes ‘fits’ Arsenal
Premier League icon Claude Makelele believes Bruno Guimaraes is a perfect fit for Arsenal.
The Brazilian looks set to join the Gunners this summer.
Speaking to ComeOn, Makelele said: “Bruno Guimaraes is ambitious player sees his career one way: Champions League football, always, and teams built to win titles in Europe.
“Arsenal tick every box. They won the Premier League, they’ve gone deep in the Champions League, and they’re built to go again.
“It’s always right for a good player to join a great team, and Arsenal have done great business.
“Bruno Guimaraes is a very good player, exceptional, as we saw with Brazil. It’s his career and his decision, but his game fits Arsenal perfectly.”
Spurs offered former Gunner
Tottenham have reportedly been offered the chance to sign former Arsenal star Folarin Balogun.
The striker left Arsenal for AS Monaco 2023 and has scored 31 goals in 91 appearances for the club.
He impressed at the World Cup with the USA and would be expected to compete with Dominic Solanke.
Former Hammer hurts Arsenal
Former West Ham star Pablo Fornals has scored in Real Betis’ pre-season fixture against Arsenal in Dublin.
And the midfielder made sure to show that he sill had his allegiances in the East side of London in his celebration.
Vinicius empties Instagram
Vinicius Junior has cleared his Instagram page from all content.
The account with 64million followers is now completely blank including the profile picture.
Seems like some news over his coming…
Monga reveals Arsenal rejection
Jeremy Monga has revealed why he made the decision to reject Arsenal and sign for Manchester City.
The former Leicester City prospect, 17, signed for City earlier this summer and is one of the most exciting talents in England.
He told BBC Sport: “(Arsenal’s interest) was very strong because it was very close to me going there, very close.
“The main decision was probably the pathway and the club itself.
“They’ve been so successful that it was a no-brainer when City call. It’s every child’s dream to win trophies and be at the top with the best.
“Once I get the opportunity I just need to show myself and once I do that, everything will take care of itself.
“I feel like, to me personally, I see myself at City more. I see myself in blue.”
Defender to stay
Myles Lewis-Skelly is reportedly set to stay at Arsenal beyond this summer’s transfer window.
The defender had been linked with an exit and Manchester United as a potential option.
Reports have now claimed that he will now remain with the Gunners.
Arsenal have options
Should Arsenal complete the expected transfer of Bruno Guimaraes, then it would add even more quality to their midfield options.
Manager Mikel Arteta has built an impressive squad in North London and have plenty of options in the middle of the park next season.
Vinicius salary demands
Vinicius Junior is reportedly demanding a salary worth a staggering £25 MILLION PER YEAR.
The Athletic have claimed that Arsenal have growing optimism that a transfer can be pulled off.
It is believed that a transfer is rated a 50/50.
Vinicius’ salary demand equates to just over £325,000 per week, which would make him a top earner at Arsenal.
The rest of the money is made up of bonuses and add-ons.
Familiar faces
Real Betis are taking on Arsenal in a pre-season friendly right now at the Aviva Stadium in Ireland.
There will be some familiar faces in the Spanish team’s squad.
This includes former Arsenal star Hector Bellerin and ex-Premier League players such as Pablo Fornals, Antony, Giovani Lo Celso and Junior Firpo.
Source: www.thesun.co.uk
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