Arsenal (Champions 2025/2026)

I think the final for me highlighted how fucked up VAR is. Whenever they don’t send the referee to review something controversial it leaves a sour taste. Rather than finding the perfect solve for those in the VAR booth we have got to move to reviews. I’d feel way better if we could send something we disagree with for review, even if the referee doesn’t change his mind. 

Romano suggesting we are in the market for a winger, RB, midfielder, and possibly a striker. The names being linked are decent too. Kroupi, Rogers, Tonali, Fernandes (West Ham), Alvarez (athletico). Concerningly Real Madrid want Calafiori. I love the guy but his injuries might mean it’s worth cashing in.

Cucurella off to Madrid. Keeps Calafiori with us, and ensures we don't have to see Cucurella in the league again. Win win.

Assuming Spain make it through to the next round, here's who could be available for opening game as an 11:
Kepa
White Mosquera Hincapie Calafiori
MLS Nwaneri
Dowman Havertz Jesus
Gyokeres

Not the most balanced!

How long is the break meant to be for World Cup guys?

Surely the likes of Raya could start?

Gutted to see Saliba go off against Spain. Hope he can get some solid rest now and won't need surgery or anything. 
In terms of replacement/back up, I'd totally be offering the free agent Stones a contract. I think he'd partner well with either big Gabi or Saliba. 

Boo. Reports that Saliba will be out for 4-5months. Gonna need back up for Mosquera

Rumours starting to ramp up with the world cup coming to a close. 
Reading about attackers, seem to be in this order of likelihood at the moment?;
Christos Tzolis
Morgan Rogers
Julian Alvarez
Bradley Barcola
Rumours around for a while about Guimaraes from Newcastle in midfield
Now rumours popping up around Konsa from Villa with Saliba likely to go for surgery, and suggestions that White will stay
Trossard gone, Martinelli likely to follow, meaning we might get two of those attackers in? Big big prices being put on Rogers and Alvarez suggest that getting both is unlikely. Tzolis looks cheap in comparison, perhaps we'll get him and one of the other three?

I don't think we are in for Barcola. Seems like he's off to Liverpool. And same for Alvarez. We are interested but it looks like he is Barca bound. While id happily have either of them

the thing with Liverpool and Barcola, Liverpool need him more due to absence of Salah and can guarantee him more game time.

Rogers is off to Chelsea. 

He had a mare this morning celebrating that move. 
Saka hattrick moves him above Bobby Charlton and Geoff Hurst as England's 4th top scorer at World Cups with 6. Ludicrous not to use him in the semi if he was up to the full game today. Fully fit Saka in this tournament could genuinely have been the difference between 3rd and winning.

England were never good enough to win the final regardless of how well Saka played.

3 World Cup winners returning home. Nice that 2 were in the pitch when it was won too. Surprised Zubimendi didn't get any minutes before then but Merino ended up being quite important with 2 winners in the knockouts. Should have scored the winner in extra time with that header today too.