Arsenal

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England manager Thomas Tuchel on vice-captain Declan Rice and leadership in the team: "We have a leadership group of five or six players - you can call them captains without armbands.

"Declan and Harry [Kane] are the two guys with the armband. Harry is our captain - no doubt about it. And Declan is our second captain. When Harry wasn't in camp and didn't play against Wales, we had a choice, and it was a very quick one from me to give it to Declan.

"He has a high football IQ. He takes care of the formation and structure, the adaptation, and the rhythm of our game. He's had two outstanding seasons with Arsenal - one of their main players in their Champions League campaign. He's one of the best midfielders in Europe at the moment, full of confidence. That's why he is my vice-captain."

Tuchel, asked about the Arsenal players in the squad after a busy season: "We still have to take a little bit of care for Bukayo [Saka] who had an injury in March and carried it through to club. He made himself available at the end of the season and did so brilliantly but he was managed in between matches; that continues a bit at the moment. We are building him up.

"Noni [Madueke], Declan [Rice] and Ebs [Eze] are 100 percent available.

"We just came from training and everyone was involved including Bukayo. We have to take the decision in the afternoon on who starts and how many minutes we give.

"They [the Arsenal players] came in very good spirit and shape. I feel them as proud and confident. They know what they did. They had a little period where it was in doubt and they overcame it. It meant a lot to them. They understand they went toe-to-toe with the best team in the world against Paris Sant Germain and lost in the shootout.

"They came in the best spirits and they are happy with that."

Sami Mokbel, BBC Sport Senior football correspondent, commented: "Thomas Tuchel's revelation that Bukayo Saka's fitness needs managing is certainly an interesting development.

"Saka is clearly a key player for England, so it will be interesting now to see how Tuchel and his staff manage the Arsenal winger during the tournament."

The countdown to the World Cup is well and truly on, so here's a reminder of the Gunners selected to represent their countries from 11 June to 19 July.

The expanded 48-team competition is set to be the biggest in history, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting.

Arsenal's World Cup contingent:

• Eberechi Eze (England)

• Gabriel (Brazil)

• Viktor Gyokeres (Sweden)

• Kai Havertz (Germany)

• Piero Hincapie (Ecuador)

• Noni Madueke (England)

• Gabriel Martinelli (Brazil)

• Mikel Merino (Spain)

• Martin Odegaard (Norway)

• David Raya (Spain)

• Declan Rice (England)

• Bukayo Saka (England)

• William Saliba (France)

• Leandro Trossard (Belgium)

• Martin Zubimendi (Spain)

Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

Read more about the World Cup squads in numbers

Find out more about how to follow the competition on the BBC

Click here to download your World Cup 2026 wallchart

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Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber will miss the World Cup with a groin injury, with Sunderland's Lutsharel Geertruida called up as his replacement.

Timber, 24, came on shortly after the hour mark in Arsenal's Champions League final defeat to Paris St-Germain.

But before the final, Timber had missed weeks of action, last featuring on 14 March in the win over Everton.

In a statement on X, the Dutch national side said: "Jurrien Timber misses the 2026 World Cup.

"The 24-year-old defender has not recovered sufficiently from a groin injury to take part in the World Cup in a medically responsible manner. In consultation with the medical staff, it has therefore been decided that Timber will leave the national team's pre-camp in New York after the game against Uzbekistan. We're with you, Jurrien."

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

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Arsenal have made an approach to sign Paris St-Germain defender Emmanuel Mbemba on a free transfer this summer.

The 18-year-old youth-team player has been offered a new contract by PSG but is open to a move to a leading Premier League club, with training compensation expected to be just over £150,000 after his contract expires at the end of June.

English champions Arsenal have made early contact and outlined what they could offer, making reference to William Saliba's progression when loaned by the Gunners to Marseille.

Mbemba is said to favour Arsenal, having seen the recent stability and success the team have had under manager Mikel Arteta's leadership.

In addition, Mbemba was told he would go out on a European loan until January 2027, allowing him time to secure a work permit to play in England.

Although he has primarily played as a centre-back in PSG's youth ranks, Arsenal view him as a long-term option at left-back.

Mbemba is a France youth international and recently captained PSG's under-19 side to French Youth Cup success at the Stade de France.

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Arsenal trio Declan Rice, Gabriel and David Raya have been nominated for the Professional Footballers' Association men's player of the year award alongside Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki.

Midfielder Rice, defender Gabriel and goalkeeper Raya were all key players as Arsenal won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.

Striker Haaland netted 27 goals to end as the division's leading scorer, while Cherki enjoyed a successful first season in the Premier League.

Fernandes won the Football Writers' Association's men's footballer of the year award for the 2025-26 campaign.

The winners will be honoured on Tuesday, 25 August at the 53rd annual PFA Awards Ceremony in Manchester.

Cherki has also been nominated for the PFA young player of the year award, alongside City team-mate and England international Nico O'Reilly, who was named as the Premier League's young player of the season last week.

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, another England international, is also among the nominees after playing a key role in Michael Carrick's side.

Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi is another on the shortlist after he scored 13 goals in 33 matches in his debut Premier League campaign.

Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha, who have represented England at under-19 level, complete the list of nominees thanks to their performances for Arsenal and Liverpool respectively.

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We asked for your views on whether the left wing position is one Arsenal could upgrade in the summer. A lot seems to be said about upgrading in that area - but is that fair?

Here are some of your comments:

Fikre: Yes, they need to upgrade their left wing position to another level by signing elite wingers like; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Rafael Leao, or Morgan Rogers.

Dan: Even though I loved Martinelli when he first came on the scene, his form has dropped massively and I think we should cash in and get a winger that will get us goals, assists and get us to the next level.

Gumbo: Without question. We have the best defence in Europe but despite being the second highest scorers in the league, we've sometimes struggled to create the chances to put the game beyond the opposition's reach which is why so many games have been won by just the single goal. Excellent defence + more creativity up front = the next level.

Spragga: From what is realistically available I'd say Nico Williams, Vinicius Junior and possibly Marcus Rashford.

Larissa: Depending on who is available, ultimately both Martinelli and Trossard should be replaced. Maybe one this year. I feel for Martinelli as, like Gyokeres, I don't feel we play to his strengths. I just don't see a winger in him, unfortunately. His lack of composure costs. Trossard has been amazing but he has one year left and he's 31.

Grant: An upgrade on the left wing is necessary if we want to compete at the very highest level. However, in my opinion, more craft is needed in the midfield. Odegaard's form has been indifferent for a couple of years and Eze is inconsistent. Also, a world-class striker is required. Havertz and Gyokeres do an adequate job but an upgrade is required here too.

Alan: Yes, it is time to upgrade the left wing position if we want to take the next step up. I love Martinelli and Trossard and we definitely need one of them to stay but unless Martinelli suddenly discovers how to score more regularly, we need to find someone that can. Trossard probably only has one year left in him as a striker.

Ali: Absolutely, I think we all identified left wing as a position that could be improved last summer. With budgets being what they are and other priorities, it's understandable we stuck with what we had but the numbers and performances say it all. A world-class player in this position would have a massive impact on our attack and also prevent teams from nullifying Saka so much through doubling up on the opposite flank.

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

With all 48 World Cup squads now confirmed, we look at how they shape up and compare with each other leading into the tournament.

Which clubs have the most players?

Looking just at the 20 clubs that made up the 2025-26 Premier League, only this season's top three have more players at the World Cup than Conference League winners Crystal Palace (12).

Including players out on loan over the season, Sunderland remarkably have as many representatives on the global stage as Chelsea and Liverpool (11), showing just how globe-trotting their recruitment was following promotion last summer.

The majority of Brentford, Everton and Leeds' squads can put their feet up and recharge their batteries for next season, with those clubs sending just four players each.

• Get more key stats on participation

Arsenal face competition from Paris St-Germain in trying to sign French forward Eli Junior Kroupi, 19, from Bournemouth and Argentina striker Julian Alvarez, 26, from Atletico Madrid. (Independent), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel reported earlier this week that there are three players on Arsenal's shortlist for the forward positions - Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez.

Any move for those three could be facilitated by exits in forward areas with the club open to offers for Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, while Leandro Trossard's deal expires in 12 months.

A move for Rogers has been discussed, but with Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze already in the squad, is that move a priority? It has also been noted that Rogers' versatility, including the ability to operate from the left, would be an asset.

The Gunners' current left-wing options did not hit the heights expected of them last season, with both Martinelli and Trossard combining for 17 Premier League goals and assists.

By comparison, Manchester City's ex-Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, managed 21 goals and assists on his own.

Do you think it is time for Arsenal to assess and upgrade their left-wing options? And if so, who do you think they should bring in? Give us names.

Get in touch with your comments here

Everton are chasing Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus but want the Premier League champions to reduce their £20m asking price. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Arsenal's midfield is complicated.

Given his homegrown status, the club had considered listening to offers for Myles Lewis-Skelly, but his excellent end to the season in his preferred central midfield position has been noted. That could spark a rethink over the 19-year-old's transfer status this summer.

Arsenal have also discussed the merits of a move for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who is expected to leave the London club following their relegation to the Championship.

But, while Fernandes and Lewis-Skelly are different types of midfielders, the latter's emergence may hasten a change in approach.

As for full-backs, the club had targeted a versatile option to boost their squad and have looked at Newcastle's Tino Livramento, although the 23-year-old has endured an injury-disrupted campaign. This position will be one to watch.

Also on the agenda for Arsenal this summer is to finalise the finer details of a new contract for right-back Jurrien Timber.

BBC Sport revealed the club had started talks over a new deal last season and those discussions are heading towards a conclusion.

The club have also signalled their intention to open talks with key midfielder Declan Rice over a contract extension.

With Mikel Arteta's deal - and plans to reward Timber and Rice with renewals - that may be easier said than done.

So, to that end, selling players will be more of a priority this summer.

It also remains to be seen if Arsenal are willing to sacrifice one of their regular first-team players in order to balance their finances.

Read more on Arsenal's summer plans

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Mikel Arteta has been central to the club's planning for next season, with the Gunners targeting a central midfielder, forward and full-back in the transfer market.

But it will not be straightforward.

Given last season's £250m spend on new players, a number of player renewals and lucrative bonuses paid to players in lieu of their Premier League success, the club are mindful of ensuring finances are balanced during the close season.

For the forward position, three players are known to be on the shortlist - Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez.

Rogers and Kroupi are expected to cost in excess of £80m each, while Barcelona target Alvarez is being valued at more than £120m.

Any move for Rogers, Kroupi or Alvarez could be facilitated by exits in forward areas, with the club open to offers for Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, while Leandro Trossard's deal expires in 12 months.

The future of academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri, who has returned from a loan spell at Marseille, is also unclear. Arsenal are giving serious consideration to a homegrown sale this summer, which would represent pure profit on the balance sheet.

The Gunners are also set to listen to offers for Christian Norgaard and Ben White, while Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson can also leave. Jakub Kiwior has already been sold to Porto for £14.7m.

A move for Rogers has been discussed, but with Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze, who can play in the central attacking areas, already in the squad there have been questions raised over whether a move for the England international is a priority.

Though, with Rogers able to operate from the left, it has been noted that his versatility would be an asset.

The interest in the 23-year-old is genuine, though the Gunners are not the only club in the running for Rogers with Manchester United also monitoring the forward's situation.

Rogers, according to multiple sources, is open to joining Arsenal ahead of next season.

Kroupi is another opportunity Arsenal have explored after the 19-year-old scored 13 times in the Premier League, a record for a teenage debutant.

The club's dream forward signing is Alvarez - though Barcelona have a serious interest in the Argentina attacker.

Read more on Arsenal's summer plans

Aston Villa are aware of interest in attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers from a number of clubs, including Arsenal, but have no intention of selling the 23-year-old England international. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Eintracht Frankfurt's Germany full-back Nathaniel Brown, 22, is the subject of interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich. (The Athletic - subscription required), external

Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes, 21, has been cleared to leave West Ham after contact from Arsenal and Manchester United, while Liverpool and Paris St-Germain are also monitoring developments. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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With the plumes of red smoke still fresh in the north London air from Sunday's euphoric trophy parade, Arsenal's attention swiftly turns to building on their Premier League title triumph.

The priority for Arsenal this summer is to finalise a new contract with Mikel Arteta, whose current deal expires at the end of next season.

BBC Sport revealed last month that talks over fresh terms were shelved in order for the club to focus on the end of the campaign.

With Arsenal's historic season now over, the process will pick up again during the summer.

Nothing is expected to be finalised before Arteta returns from holiday.

But it is understood that there was positive progress during initial conversations, amid expectation within the Emirates that it is a case of when, not if, the 44-year-old renews.

Despite this, there remains an air of caution at Arsenal, although club officials are fully focused on reaching a final agreement well before the start of next season.

Sources have told BBC Sport the new contract, which is likely to be a minimum of three years, would be worth a major increase on his current wages.

Arteta earns £10m a season, plus a further £5m upon Champions League qualification.

His new contract would make him the highest-paid manager in England following Pep Guardiola's decision to leave Manchester City.

Guardiola's deal was worth a minimum £20m a season. Arteta would move far closer to his compatriot's earning power.

Recently, Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke made clear the club's intention.

"Keeping Mikel around is an utmost priority and I think the good news for Arsenal fans worldwide is he's enjoying the project," said Kroenke.

With that project centred around Arteta's influence, owners Kroenke Sports Entertainment know they will have to commit significant funds to ensure their manager stays on.

And with Arteta's status at an all-time high, the Gunners boss will know his leverage is also at its peak.

Read more on Arsenal's summer plans

Ex-Premier League defender Conor Coady says he "was shocked" seeing Gabriel walk up to take Arsenal's final penalty in their Champions League final shootout defeat.

"I was like, this is interesting," said Coady.

Ex-Premier League striker Chris Sutton replied: "If he put his hand up to take it, let him get on with it. I think it's slightly disrespectful for centre-backs. A lot of defenders have taken them. It's like we are looking at centre-backs like they are all donkeys.

"I feel for him. That's a moment that for all the wrong reasons, he'll never forget that."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

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Watch the panel on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club discuss what Arsenal can do next to develop and evolve after they just came up short in the Champions League final against Paris St-Germain.

"They added quality last summer," said The Athletic's Adam Crafton.

"In some ways it was more depth than quality but any team in the Premier League would have wanted Eberechi Eze. I just wonder whether Mikel Arteta actually wants to develop the team in that way or whether he just wants to make them even better at what they do at the moment.

"I think if he did then much of this past season you would have seen Martin Odegaard and Eze starting together. I'm not sure it's as simple as just going and buying some flair to improve Arsenal."

Premier League winning striker Chris Sutton said: "I don't think you can keep giving the ball back to a team of PSG's quality.

"We know Arsenal are brilliant at defending the box and that's what Arteta gave away. There wasn't really a time when PSG got in behind Arsenal but eventually there does come a time where you trust your players with quality whether they are being pressed or not.

"Arsenal didn't want to risk, which is why moving forward I think it is something Arteta will have to think about."

Ex-Premier League defender Conor Coady said: "That squad is full of quality. You can evolve that team with that group of players. If there was an opportunity to get a left-hand sided player I think they would do.

"We are at a moment now where they have the quality in that group to go to a different level if they are willing to do so."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

Wayne Rooney has picked his Premier League team of the season.

You can listen to his reasoning for selections and find out who he thought was the Premier League's best player by tuning into The Wayne Rooney Show.

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Chelsea have rejected multiple approaches for defender Josh Acheampong.

The 20-year-old is a graduate of the academy at Stamford Bridge and as reported elsewhere has been given 'untouchable' status in terms of his future.

It remains unclear whether Acheampong, whose Chelsea contract expires in 2029, is looking for a move away from the club.

However, Arsenal, Newcastle and Crystal Palace are known to be monitoring the situation while Bournemouth also retain an interest in Acheampong from last summer.