Surgery 'among the options' for Saliba's back injurypublished at 08:28 BST
08:28 BST
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal will assess William Saliba's back injury when he reports back to the club after World Cup duty.
The France centre-back has been dogged by a back issue for several weeks and carried the problem into the World Cup.
The issue appeared to be exacerbated during France's semi-final loss to Spain when he was forced off after just 30 minutes.
Surgery is among the options that will be considered by the Gunners when he returns to London, though an operation would probably require a long-term lay-off to recover.
The 25-year-old made 50 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season, as they ended a 22-year wait to win the Premier League and reached the Champions League final.
Earlier in the World Cup, Saliba said: "I've had some minor niggles for several months.
"I've been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League.
"The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you've got to grit your teeth."
He missed France's final group game against Norway before returning to Didier Deschamps' side for the knockout stage.
France play England in the third-place play-off on Saturday (22:00 BST).
Gossip: Arsenal express interest in Konsapublished at 08:08 BST
08:08 BST
Liverpoolare leading the race to sign Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano from Mainz and are prepared to offer up to 60m euros (£50.9m) for the 25-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund.(Teamtalk), external
One thing you're looking forward to when club football returnspublished at 12:35 BST 16 July
12:35 BST 16 July
The World Cup has done a fantastic job of filling the Premier League void, but there is nothing quite like club football.
As the tournament in North America heads towards its climax and England supporters' disappointment sinks in, there is an Arsenal fanbase waiting for the 2026-27 season with anticipation.
So, it has got us thinking: what are you looking forward to most about club football resuming?
World Cup scouting: Summerville, Bouaddi and Mbokazipublished at 16:43 BST 15 July
16:43 BST 15 July
Image source, Getty Images
We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Arsenal.
Here are some of your comments:
Nate: Brian Cipenga from DR Congo would bring something different to Arsenal. None of the other big teams have really mentioned him, so if Arsenal act fast they would get him. I think Crysencio Summerville would be a great signing as well.
Lara: Ousmane Diomande of Ivory Coast looks to be an outstanding prospect and would be an excellent addition to our defence. Ayyoub Bouaddi looks super composed on the ball and would add strength to the midfield. Bradley Barcola would bring pace, directness and goals to the left-wing. Morgan Rogers would bring control, composure and creativity to the squad. These would be excellent replacements for Christian Norgaard, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri, who unfortunately could all be sold by the end of the window.
Vincent: I'd take Bouaddi any day. He is only 18-years-of-age yet he plays on the world stage with so much confidence already. He might be too confident at times, but Mikel Arteta can straighten him out and turn him into another cog in the Arsenal machine.
Joe: Barcola has impressed at this World Cup and he would fit right into Mikel Arteta's style of football. He had pace, he is defensively good but he is a true winger who could be a great addition to the squad. Maybe he could replace Gabriel Martinelli?
Adam: Mbekezeli Mbokazi of South Africa looked confident, strong and even displayed some qualities. He is being linked with Napoli now.
How well have Arsenal duo been managed at the World Cup?published at 14:41 BST 15 July
14:41 BST 15 July
Image source, Getty Images
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton believes Arsenal's Declan Rice will be "key to England beating Argentina" on Wednesday night when the two sides face-off at Atlanta Stadium for a spot in the World Cup final.
The 27-year-old defensive midfielder has played a total of 385 minutes at the tournament so far, featuring in five of England's six matches.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Sutton said: "Rice is key to England beating Argentina because Lionel Messi is the key for them.
"I do think Thomas Tuchel will play with two number sixes, but Rice will need eyes in the back of his head because that's where Messi will look to pick the ball up.
"The key to stopping Argentina is stopping Messi - and that's what Rise has the potential to do."
Wrexham defender Conor Coady has been particularly impressed with Tuchel's "unbelievable management" of Bukayo Saka throughout the tournament.
The 24-year-old winger, who has been managing an Achilles problem since March, has featured in all of England's matches and played a total of 268 minutes so far.
"Saka has been managed really well," Coady said. "Tuchel has managed the whole situation of players coming in after really long seasons very well. I think we sometimes forget this tournament has come after a long Premier League season.
"Rice and Saka have had the seasons of their lives by the way, so he's had to do extra to manage them throughout.
"If we see Saka start on Wednesday night and score a goal or get an assist or get the winner, then he has been managed unbelievably well by Tuchel.
"Did we want to see more of Saka? Of course we did, because he is a world-class footballer, but, at the same time, the way that all of the players have been managed has been really good."
Rice expected to start England's World Cup semi-finalpublished at 10:07 BST 15 July
10:07 BST 15 July
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Jordan Henderson and Jarell Quansah are set to be the only players unavailable for England in their World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Henderson is still recovering from surgery on the broken arm he suffered while celebrating the win over Mexico in the last 16, while defender Quansah is suspended following his red card in the same game.
It leaves head coach Thomas Tuchel with options as he finalises his starting XI.
Arsenal's Declan Rice had his preparation for the game against Norway was severely disrupted by illness - but BBC Sport reported on Monday there was optimism his condition had improved enough for him to take his place in the team on Wednesday.
Rice trained fully on Tuesday and is expected to start in Atlanta.
Stuart: Great value signing who made a difference straight away. Dependable and scored some memorable goals but, given his age, it is probably the right time for him to move on and seek a younger player for the next five-year cycle. Appreciate you, Leo - hope we get to show our respect some day. You leave as a champion.
Matthew: Great signing who has scored so many clutch goals. Hard to tell if it is the right time to let him go - depends on who we bring in. Would rather have sold Gabriel Martinelli even though he is younger.
Michael: Trossard played a key part in Arsenal winning the league title. His transfer seems to me to be at the least questionable and likely to be shown to be a mistake.
Eric: Sorry to see him go but makes sense to get a decent fee for him as he only has a year left. Never let us down and will always be remembered for the winner at West Ham. Thank you, Leo, and all the best.
Marc: Trossard has been an outstanding buy for the club. Not prolific but he's reliable. Fully understand selling him, and then purchasing a younger player. It's not just about building a team for the now, it's building for the future. It's all part of the process, and we need to trust the process that the club is following.
Barry: Really don't think this is right decision. He has been brilliant for Arsenal and an invaluable 'finisher' when called upon.
John: Shame to see him leave, though I guess he is seen more as a squad player than a nailed-on starter, which is probably driving the transfer. Thanks, LT - it's been great.
Anthony: Don't get it. Trossard is one of the only Arsenal players who happily takes risks and changes a game late in the day against low blocks. Still plenty of miles in him.
Gossip: Gyokeres may be used as a makeweight to bring Alvarezpublished at 08:10 BST 15 July
08:10 BST 15 July
Arsenal have explored the possibility of offering Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, 28, as part of a deal for Atletico Madrid's Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, 26. (Talksport), external
The Gunnersare also trying to sell Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus, with AC Milan among the leading contenders to sign the 29-year-old. (TeamTalk), external
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is working on the deal after his assistant Maurizio Micheli watched the 24-year-old play for Greece against Sweden last month.
Tzolis could be available for about £30m.
Any move for him would be separate to Arsenal's interest in signing more high-profile forwards this summer.
They retain a long-term interest in Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, who is the priority target, but it remains to be seen if a deal for the Argentina international is possible this summer, with Barcelona and Real Madrid also interested.
Morgan Rogers is Arsenal's preferred option in their search for a versatile attacker, with efforts to sign the Aston Villa man set to ramp up once his participation at the World Cup with England is over.
Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola is viewed as the alternative in the event of failing to reach an agreement with Villa, who reportedly value Rogers at £130m.
Meanwhile, Arsenal recruitment specialist Micheli watched Georgia Under-21 international Andria Bartishvili play for Iberia 1999 against Flora in their Champions League qualifier last week, with sources indicating the Gunners are stepping up their attempt to sign the 17-year-old.
He has scored 36 goals in 174 appearances, including a crucial late winner against West Ham in May which helped Mikel Arteta's side win the Premier League title.
Is letting Trossard go the right decision and who would you replace him with?
England to make late call on Rice for World Cup semi-finalpublished at 09:11 BST 14 July
09:11 BST 14 July
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
England will make a late decision on whether Arsenal's Declan Rice is fit to start the World Cup semi-final against Argentina - but there remains optimism the midfielder can shake off the effects of an illness to play on Wednesday.
Rice, who had suffered with a sickness bug in the lead-up to Saturday's quarter-final victory over Norway in Miami, was substituted at half-time.
It is understood Rice has still not recovered fully from the illness - picked up in Mexico, where England beat the co-hosts 3-2 in the last 16 - but his condition has improved markedly over the past 48 hours.
As things stand, there is growing hope he will be well enough to start in Atlanta.
Rice is almost certain to rule himself fit for the semi-final given the enormity of the occasion.
But given the severity of the illness, England medics are set to make a late call on his availability.
And Tuchel will wait to see how rapidly his condition improves before making a final decision on whether to pick him.
Gossip: Gunners target Guimaraes not for salepublished at 07:29 BST 14 July
07:29 BST 14 July
Arsenal target Bruno Guimaraes is viewed as not being for sale by Newcastle United, despite the Gunners thinking they could sign the 28-year-old Brazil midfielder for £50m. (Newcastle Chronicle), external
When the World Cup finishes, the football continues on BBC Sportpublished at 07:13 BST 14 July
07:13 BST 14 July
When the World Cup ends, regardless of who wins, we'll still have loads of great content every day as we build up to the new Premier League season.
We're already working on some exciting new things for 2026-27.
As well as all the fallout and reaction to the tournament, we'll quickly shift back towards club football, with pre-season coverage and all the latest transfer gossip and stories.
BBC Sport and teams across BBC Nations and Regions cover all 20 Premier League sides and we have dedicated club reporters, who will be travelling to bring you behind-the-scenes insights from pre-season tours.
We'll also have live pages for selected pre-season matches, as well as in-depth features and storytelling, giving you the latest updates before the new campaign.
Once the World Cup ends, some of the standout players will be hot property in the transfer market, with top clubs chasing their signatures.
We'll also have our daily transfer gossip column, wrapping up all the rumours from across the football world.
For fans of World Cup Predictor, a new weekly game will be launching immediately after the tournament, with five fixtures a week to predict the outcomes of. You'll be able to build up your streaks and share your results with friends and family.
Our quizzes will also continue to be available to play so you can test your knowledge of the beautiful game.
Our new Shorts tab in the BBC Sport app will be the home of sport videos with content throughout the week from your club, including explainers, pundit analysis, interviews and behind-the-scenes content. We'll also be starting to include more reaction from fans so you can see the latest hot takes and debate the biggest talking points from your club.
Live pages are going to get bigger and better with more interactive elements, more conversation and improved functionality. They'll have BBC Radio 5 Live audio commentaries for the Premier League and Champions League, as well as live video for FA Cup.
Remember, the best way to get all of this content is to download the BBC Sport app and follow your favourite teams and sports using the My Sport tab.
Once you've set this up, you'll have quick access to those pages at the top of your Home tab and we'll be able to serve you better, more personalised, experiences in future.
And when following your Premier League team, from the start of the 2026-27 season you'll also get Live Notifications, which give you score updates directly on your phone's lock screen during a match.
'Dowman should be a pre-season mainstay!'published at 14:25 BST 13 July
14:25 BST 13 July
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on which players you're most excited to watch during Arsenal's pre-season.
Here are some of your comments:
George: Definitely Marli Salmon and Max Dowman. Both players are future stars for club and country.
Felix: I hope to see Martin Odegaard play the way he did for Norway. In fact, I hope to see him finally play free of pain, like he did some two years ago.
Harley: Looking forward to seeing Illan Meslier, who should get some minutes in pre-season, to see if he can recapture the form he had in his early days at Leeds. Alongside that, Salmon - and maybe even Gabriel Arteta! Oh and of course Dowman - he's on his summer holidays so should be a pre-season mainstay!
Jon: First, let all our World Cup participants return in good health. Then, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dowman. And then, all the rest of a brilliant squad to come back and further delight us with a quadruple.
Ashley: Any new signings, to be honest, but also Christian Norgaard and Jurrien Timber.
Merino the unlikely hero for Spain again published at 07:44 BST 13 July
07:44 BST 13 July
Media caption,
Any side looking to be successful need match-winners throughout the team - and Spain are proving they have them as Mikel Merino delivered in his role as super sub once again to send the European champions into the World Cup semi-finals.
The Arsenal midfielder stepped off the bench for the second successive game to score the decisive goal - this time securing a 2-1 victory over Belgium.
There are just two examples of a player scoring the winning goal for Spain in the knockout stages of the World Cup as a substitute: Merino vs Portugal in the last 16 and Merino vs Belgium.
His latest heroics mean Spain are into last four of the tournament for only the second time and will now play France on Tuesday for a place in the final.
"Mikel is incredible," Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said after the quarter-final win. "He has many qualities. He is a player that across the whole World Cup could have played in whatever team and done great.
"For us, he is the standard of this idea, of this model. It is a pleasure to have him - and others, but especially him. We know that, without fail, he is always there."
Merino's heroics will be a familiar sight for Arsenal fans, with the 30-year-old having done similar things for the Gunners.
"Merino is just one of those players who arrives at the right time, at the right moment in big games," former England striker Wayne Rooney said on Match of the Day.
Nwaneri's future and will Gunners spend less this summer?published at 16:52 BST 10 July
16:52 BST 10 July
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Arsenal's potentially modest summer transfer plans and Ethan Nwaneri's future have been the subject of several questions sent in via our Arsenal Ask Me Anything form.
Nwaneri is in an interesting position at Arsenal.
It is still easy to forget just how young he is as it feels like he has been around for a while now.
But he is still only 19 and has had one successful breakout season with Arsenal and also a senior loan to Marseille now.
However, he was sent on loan during the season that Arsenal won the title and was not part of the group that got over the line.
Nwaneri presents pure profit on the balance sheet which makes him an attractive option to sell if there was an offer.
It would be too harsh to say that he is on the transfer list but if there was a big offer that matched market value, it would definitely make Arsenal assess the situation.
It is right that Arsenal invested heavily last summer with around £250m spent on eight players as the Gunners won the title for the first time in 22 years.
The plan for Arsenal is to still invest but not at the same level of the outlay that was seen last summer.
Arsenal do have room in their finances to invest in players and we have seen that shown in their interest in Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes.
But the club are increasingly focused on being self-sustainable and that could see them entertain sales too.
Arsenal will look to strengthen this summer and big names could come in as mentioned above but the numbers seen last summer are unlikely to to be replicated.
Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.
We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.
Will your club sign any World Cup breakout stars?published at 12:00 BST 10 July
12:00 BST 10 July
Image source, Getty Images
Plenty of players have made names for themselves at this World Cup, from goalkeepers like Cape Verde's Vozinha and Paraguay's Orlando Gill to New Zealand midfielder Elijah Just.
But though they might not have been familiar to fans, the extent of modern scouting means clubs all over the world will already have known about many of them – so how have their heroics at the tournament affected their standing in the game, and their value in the transfer market?
More than the Score's Mani Djazmi is joined Ben Littlemore from Transfermarkt, one of the world's foremost football databases. Lutz Pfannenstiel, sporting director at Aberdeen, also shares his footballing knowledge in today's episode.
Image source, Getty Images
