£38m 'bid' for Martinelli, interest 'reignited' in Konsa, Arteta speaks on Lewis-Skelly move

Arsenal face competition for Tresoldi

Arsenal will face competition from Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham and Barcelona for Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi.

The 21-year-old Germany Under-21 international has been linked with Arsenal this summer and has emerged as one of the more affordable attacking options on the market, with his asking price expected to be around €45-50m (£39-43m).

Club Brugge have already shown they will not be bullied into selling after rejecting a €35m bid from Roma.

Barcelona are currently being tipped to accelerate their interest, but Arsenal could now be another major contender as Mikel Arteta continues to assess attacking options.

Arsenal set to miss out on Cuti Romero

Arsenal had been linked with a sensational move for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero in a potential repeat of the infamous Sol Campbell transfer of 2001.

But the Gunners look set to miss out, with Atletico Madrid reaching an agreement to sign the Argentina international from Spurs.

Atletico will pay €35million (£30m) up front, with another €5m in potential add-ons for the 28-year-old defender.

Romero has spent five seasons with Tottenham, helping them win the Europa League in 2025.

He was also a key part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph and featured seven times during this summer’s tournament.

Tottenham line up move for ex-Arsenal striker

Tottenham have laid the groundwork for a potential move for former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.

The Monaco frontman is being valued at around €60million (£52m), with a number of English and Spanish clubs monitoring the 25-year-old throughout the summer.

Newcastle are the only other Premier League club named in the report, while Fabrizio Romano says Galatasaray and Saudi Pro League clubs have also made enquiries in recent days.

United States international Balogun came through Arsenal’s academy and made his senior debut for the Gunners before leaving permanently for Monaco, where his goalscoring form has now put him back on the Premier League radar.

Arsenal target holds talks with Simeone over exit

Julian Alvarez has held talks with Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone over his future, according to ESPN.

The meeting took place ahead of Atletico’s training session on Wednesday and was their first face-to-face discussion since Alvarez revealed his desire to leave the club this summer.

The Argentina striker has been heavily linked with a move away after a difficult period in Madrid.

Arsenal have previously been linked with Alvarez as they continue to assess their options in attack, although the player is said to favour a move to Barcelona.

Arsenal hold further talks over Konsa transfer

Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, with the England international described as their “most easy solution” by Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners have been linked with a number of defensive targets, but Romano says Konsa currently appears to be ahead of Atletico Madrid’s Marc Pubill and Tottenham’s Cristian Romero.

The Daily Mail report that Arsenal have held further talks, although they remain around £20m short of Villa’s £60m valuation, with an initial proposal of around £40m.

Konsa has two years left on his Villa contract and remains Arsenal’s top target for central defence, but Villa are keen for him to sign a new deal.

Arsenal could sell Zubimendi

Arsenal are open to allowing Martin Zubimendi to leave following the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes, with Chelsea reportedly interested, according to TEAMtalk.

The Gunners are not actively trying to offload the Spain international, but are believed to want at least £77million for the 27-year-old.

That would represent a sizeable profit on the midfielder after Arsenal paid around £60m to sign him last summer.

Zubimendi is reportedly viewed as an ideal fit for Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, particularly if Enzo Fernandez departs.

Arsenal sign teenage striker

Arsenal have completed a move for teenage striker Mylo Bernard after the youngster left Crystal Palace.

The 16-year-old will join the Gunners for training compensation after his schoolboy registration at Palace expired earlier this summer.

Bernard has already impressed for England Under-16s, scoring four goals in eight appearances, while he also found the net six times in 13 Under-18 Premier League outings.

He becomes the second promising youngster to arrive at Arsenal this summer after Elijah Upson, son of former Gunners defender Matt Upson, joined from Tottenham.

Arsenal boost as Napoli clear path for Gabriel Jesus transfer

Napoli are preparing to part ways with Romelu Lukaku after reportedly agreeing a deal with Fenerbahce worth an initial £5.12million.

That could help clear the way for Napoli to pursue Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus, who remains a target for the Italian club.

Napoli are understood to need another sale before fully turning their attention to Jesus, with Arsenal valuing the Brazilian at around £20million.

Jesus has played a key role in Arsenal’s transformation since arriving from Manchester City in 2022, but Arteta’s attacking rebuild could now see the striker moved on.

Arsenal set to sell more players

Arsenal could oversee a major squad shake-up between now and the end of the transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his Premier League champions.

A CBS Sports report from May, as many as eight players could be allowed to leave, including Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Cristhian Mosquera.

Havertz and Odegaard are entering the final two years of their contracts, while Mosquera has attracted interest from Atletico Madrid after joining for around £13million.

With Trossard and Christian Norgaard already gone, more are set to follow with Arsenal targeting high profile names such as Bradley Barcola.

Kounde unlikely to leave Barca amid Arsenal interest

Arsenal have been monitoring Jules Kounde, but the Barcelona defender currently has no intention of leaving the Spanish giants.

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona would consider a sizeable offer for the France international as they look to generate funds for defensive reinforcements.

Kounde only recently renewed his contract and is understood to want to remain at the Nou Camp.

However, his situation could change after he speaks with Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, leaving Arsenal potentially waiting in the wings.

Martinelli future uncertain

Arsenal have received an offer from Galatasaray for Gabriel Martinelli, according to football.london.

The winger has been linked with a move away, with his future something Arsenal need to resolve one way or another.

It remains unclear whether Martinelli would be willing to make the move as selling him would leave Arsenal with another major attacking decision, particularly after missing out on Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Jr.

If Arsenal don’t manage to sign another left-winger, it could be the case that Martinelli stays.

Arteta comments on Lewis-Skelly ‘speculation’

Myles Lewis-Skelly’s future has been the subject of speculation amid reported interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, but Arteta refused to be drawn on the youngster’s emotional goal celebration.

Lewis-Skelly was on target in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Como yesterday.

Asked about the 19-year-old’s reaction, the Arsenal boss said: “Ah, emotional? It’s good to score a goal, you should be emotional when you score a goal.

“It’s a very emotional player, I remember when he did all the gestures on the pitch, so I’m not going to talk about any speculation.

“If there is a speculation about our player, it’s a good sign. That means that we attract attention and they’re doing a good job.”

Nwaneri could be part of Arteta’s plans this season

Mikel Arteta believes Ethan Nwaneri has returned from his difficult loan spell at Marseille as a more mature player.

The teenager has impressed during Arsenal’s pre-season, and Arteta admitted his spell in France had not gone as expected but believes the experience could prove hugely valuable.

The Gunners boss said: “He’s been really good. Probably what happened on the field, on his loan in Marseille, wasn’t what was expected. There was a lot of noise and change around the club. But he looks different. He looks more mature.”

“It’s what six months can do to you. It’s a different experience on board to be on your own, to go through tough times and just to witness that there’s another part of football that you have to be good enough to cope with. I’m very happy with what he’s done in pre-season.”

Real Zubimendi pursuit

Real Madrid have maintained their interest in Arsenal ace Martin Zubimendi after missing out on the midfielder last summer.

Madrid chiefs started negotiations months after Arsenal had already agreed a deal for Zubimendi, scuppering their chances of a late hijack.

Some 12 months on and reports suggest that Zubimendi is still admired at the Bernabeu.

Gabriel Jesus heading out

Gabriel Jesus could be heading for the Arsenal exit door with Napoli stepping up their interest in the striker.

The Serie A champions are actively exploring a deal for the 29-year-old Brazilian.

The Gunners are reportedly willing to open talks if offers start at £17.1million, according to CaughtOffside.

Napoli’s interest is said to be strong, although talks between the two clubs are yet to advance.

Ezri little helps

Arsenal are back on the tail of Aston Villa ace Ezri Konsa.

The Gunners flirted with a move for Konsa earlier in the summer transfer window but their valuation was a long way short of Villa’s.

At the time, the North Londoners indicated that they would only pay about £30million for the centre-back.

The England international played 48 times across all competitions last season and helped Villa win the Europa League.

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Arsenal’s pre-season results

Here is how it all unfolded for Arsenal this summer and what’s next for Mikel Arteta’s men:

Saturday, August 1, 7pm BST – Girona 1-4 Arsenal (Estadi Montilivi)

Wednesday, August 5, 7.30pm BST – Arsenal 1-3 Real Betis (Aviva Stadium)

Sunday, August 9, 2pm BST – Arsenal 2-3 Borussia Dortmund (Emirates Stadium)

Wednesday, August 12, 7.30pm BST – Arsenal 1-1 Como (4-3 on PENS) (Emirates Stadium)

Sunday, August 16, 3pm BST – Community Shield: Arsenal vs Man City (Principality Stadium)

Mikel Merino reacts

Arsenal ace Mikel Merino is glad to be back with the Gunners and is looking forward to the Community Shield against Manchester City.

However, Merino hinted the North Londoners will have to improve against City.

It’s very good to be back.

A short summer for me but for good reasons obviously.

Everyone has welcomed us back in the best way possible. I’m buzzing to be home.

Of course we want to win to give our fans some more happiness.

But for us, we want to be competitive too.

Mikel Merino

Arsenal player ratings

Here’s how Arsenal stars fared against Como:

KEPA ARRIZABALAGA – 6

THEO JULIENNE – 6

MARLI SALMON – 8

GABRIEL MAGALHAES– 6

PIERO HINCAPIE – 6

MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8

EBERECHI EZE – 7

MAX DOWMAN – 6

ETHAN NWANERI – 6

GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7

GABRIEL JESUS – 4

Subs:

VIKTOR GYOKERES (GABRIEL JESUS, 32) – 5

FABIO VIEIRA (EBERECHI EZE, 32) – 5

BRUNO GUIMARAES (MAX DOWMAN, HT) – 7

DAVID RAYA (KEPA ARRIZABALAGA, HT) – 6

CRISTHIAN MOSQUERA (GABRIEL, HT) – 6

MARTIN ODEGAARD (ETHAN NWANERI, HT) – 6

RICCIARDO CALAFIORI (MARLI SALMON, 60) – 6

KAI HAVERTZ (VIKTOR GYOKERES, 60) – 7

MIKEL MERINO (PIERO HINCAPIE, 60) – 6

NONI MADUEKE (FABIO VIEIRA, 60) – 6

CHRISTOS TZOLIS (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 60) – 6

BEN WHITE (THEO JULIENNE, 60) – 6

JOSH OGUNNAIKE (MARLI SALMON, 88) – N/A

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Arsenal vs Como match stats

Arsenal – Como

Possession: 55% – 45%

Shots: 14 – 5

On target: 5 – 4

Corners: 10 – 2

Passes: 416 – 359

Arsenal vs Como match report

Myles Lewis-Skelly reminded Arsenal fans that his heart is firmly in North London amid mass speculation around his future.

The Hale End academy graduate poured cold water over rumours of an Arsenal exit with his goal celebration during the Gunners’ 1-1 pre-season draw with Como.

Lewis-Skelly’s future at Arsenal was thrown into doubt this week after he was offered to Manchester United and Chelsea following the arrival of £75million man Bruno Guimaraes.

But the 19-year-old is adamant to stay and fight for his place in the squad and made it crystal clear at the Emirates last night.

Lewis-Skelly tucked home the opener in Arsenal’s final pre-season friendly, before raising a love heart to the Emirates faithful to tell them what the club means to him.

His goal was a reminder to Mikel Arteta just how talented he is, if he even needed one.

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FT: Arsenal 1-1 (4-3 on pens) Como

Arsenal beat Como on penalties in their final pre-season friendly at the Emirates.

The two teams finished level with a score of 1-1 during their 90-minute affair with Martin Baturina’s beauty cancelling out Myles Lewis-Skelly’s opener.

The Gunners’ signing Christos Tzolis then scored the winning penalty.

Relive all the live action below in SunSport’s amazing coverage:

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FT: Arsenal 1-1 Como

Arsenal drew with club legend Cesc Fabregas’ team Como at the Emirates.

Myles Lewis-Skelly opened the scoring during intense transfer speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United and Chelsea.

But the Serie A outfit equalised just before half-time with Martin Baturina.

And now we’re on penalties!!!

Follow all the live action below in SunSport’s amazing coverage:

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Stelling’s Premier League table prediction

Jeff Stelling has made his Premier League prediction for the 2026/27 season and his final table includes a shock relegation call.

Here’s what Jeff went with:

Click here to read article