Bukayo Saka (Star Boy)

Declan Rice

Martin Odegaard

Gabriel Martinelli

Saliba and Gabriel

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Dominant Arsenal Seals Resounding Win in MLS All-Star Match

  July 19, 2023    



Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz shined brightly, securing a well-deserved victory in the MLS All-Star match held in Washington. The exhilarating 5-0 win against the MLS All-Stars marked our second triumph in this prestigious fixture since our victory in 2016, and it was undoubtedly a more comfortable one.

The match began with an explosion of excitement, both on and off the pitch, with pre-match fireworks, pyrotechnics, the national anthem, and a flyover setting the stage for the thrilling encounter. Arsenal's star player, Gabriel Jesus, quickly asserted his presence as he delivered a sensational goal just five minutes into the game. A sublime first-time chip over the keeper, just under the crossbar, showcased Arsenal's attacking prowess and set the tone for the rest of the match.

The team continued to dominate possession, and their relentless pressure yielded another spectacular goal. Bukayo Saka, later named MVP, wreaked havoc from the right wing and delivered a precise pass to Leandro Trossard. The Belgian maestro skillfully shifted onto his right foot and unleashed a rocket from 20 yards, leaving the opposing goalkeeper helpless.

The All-Stars, managed by Wayne Rooney, struggled to cope with Arsenal's relentless attack, and they made multiple substitutions in an attempt to change the course of the game. However, Arsenal's impressive display and cohesive gameplay ensured they maintained a two-goal lead going into halftime.

The second half saw new faces grace the field for Arsenal, with Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Karl Hein making their presence felt. Jorginho, renowned for his penalty prowess, did not disappoint as he coolly converted a spot-kick, extending Arsenal's lead.

With 25 minutes left on the clock, Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, introduced Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, both receiving warm applause from the lively crowd. Arsenal remained the dominant force on the field, and their attacking prowess shone through yet again when Martinelli found the back of the net with a well-placed shot after an excellent pass from Odegaard.

In the dying minutes of the game, Havertz showcased his brilliance with a thunderous strike, demonstrating his exceptional ball control.

The final score of 5-0 against the MLS All-Stars was the most significant winning margin since 2000, affirming Arsenal's supremacy on the night. The team's impressive performance was a perfect start to their three-match series in the USA.

With confidence riding high, Arsenal's next challenge awaits in New York, where they will lock horns with Manchester United at the MetLife Stadium. The summer US tour will conclude with an exciting friendly against Barcelona in Los Angeles,

 

 

 

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Sunday, July 16, 2023

Arsenal Team Departs for US Tour

  July 16, 2023    


 Our men's first team squad, accompanied by fellow colleagues from our club, commenced their journey to the United States from London Stansted airport on Sunday afternoon. They embarked on an Emirates 777 aircraft, embarking on an exciting transatlantic adventure.

After engaging in two friendly matches against Watford and 1. FC Nurnberg, our inaugural match in the United States will take place at Audi Field in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, July 19. We will be facing off against an MLS All-Stars team in front of a sold-out crowd. The MLS All-Stars will be under the guidance of D.C. United Head Coach, Wayne Rooney.

Subsequently, we will proceed to New Jersey, where an eagerly anticipated showdown with Manchester United awaits us at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday, July 22. This historic encounter marks the first time the two clubs have clashed on American soil. Anticipation for the fixture is high, particularly following our exhilarating 3-2 victory against Manchester United in January, which attracted an average audience of 1.92 million viewers across NBC Sports, Peacock, and NBC Sports Digital platforms, setting a new record for a Premier League fixture in the United States.

The grand finale of our US Tour 2023 is a part of the prestigious Soccer Champions Tour series and will be held in Los Angeles. On Wednesday, July 26, we will face off against Barcelona at the illustrious SoFi Stadium, home of the LA Rams.

Tickets for our matches in New Jersey and Los Angeles are still available and can be purchased by clicking on the provided links for each match.

For further information on how to watch our pre-season matches through pay-per-view, please refer to this link.

US Tour 2023 – Traveling Squad:

  1. Aaron Ramsdale
  2. William Saliba
  3. Kieran Tierney
  4. Ben White
  5. Gabriel Magalhaes
  6. Bukayo Saka
  7. Martin Odegaard
  8. Gabriel Jesus
  9. Gabriel Martinelli
  10. Jurrien Timber
  11. Alex Runarsson
  12. Eddie Nketiah
  13. Jakub Kiwior
  14. Rob Holding
  15. Takehiro Tomiyasu
  16. Leandro Trossard
  17. Jorginho
  18. Fabio Vieira
  19. Mohamed Elneny
  20. Folarin Balogun
  21. Marquinhos
  22. Kai Havertz
  23. Karl Hein
  24. Auston Trusty
  25. Oleksandr Zinchenko
  26. Declan Rice
  27. Amario Cozier-Duberry

We eagerly anticipate the arrival of Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey, who are expected to join us next week.

Players who are not part of the squad will be diligently working on their fitness and/or recovering from injuries.


Source: Arsenal Football

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Saturday, July 15, 2023

Declan Rice completes transfer to Arsenal

  July 15, 2023    


 England international Declan Rice has completed a move to Arsenal from West Ham United, signing a long-term contract with the club.

At the age of 24, Rice brings with him extensive experience, having made 245 senior appearances for West Ham and earning 43 caps for the England national team.

Rice began his youth career at Chelsea before joining the West Ham academy in 2014. A year later, he signed his first professional contract with the club. On the final day of the 2016/17 season, Rice made his senior debut at the age of 18 and quickly became an integral part of the first-team squad, where he remained for the following six seasons.


In May 2022, Rice was named the captain of West Ham and went on to lead the team to victory in the Europa Conference League in June. He was recognized for his outstanding performance throughout the tournament and was awarded the Player of the Season title by UEFA. Rice has also been a regular fixture in the England national team, representing his country in both Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Expressing his satisfaction with the signing, Arsenal Sporting Director Edu said, "Declan is an incredibly talented player with a proven track record at both club and international levels. The transfer process involved a collaborative effort, and we are thrilled to have Declan join us."


Edu further added, "As a young international player of high quality, Declan will significantly enhance our squad. He perfectly aligns with our strategy of developing and competing with young, talented players at the core of our club."

Manager Mikel Arteta also expressed his delight, saying, "We are delighted to welcome Declan to our team. He is an immensely talented player who has consistently performed at a high level in the Premier League and for the England national team. Declan's arrival adds undeniable quality to the club, and we believe he has the potential to achieve great success here."


Arteta highlighted Rice's leadership skills and experience, noting that at just 24 years old, he had already captained a strong West Ham side and recently lifted a European trophy. The manager expressed his excitement about Rice's role within the team and praised his impressive contributions.

Upon joining Arsenal, Rice will wear the number 41 shirt, and the entire club extends a warm welcome to him.

The completion of the transfer is contingent on the fulfillment of regulatory requirements.

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Friday, July 14, 2023

Arsenal Officially Signs Jurrien Timber

  July 14, 2023    


 Arsenal have made a significant addition to their defensive line by securing the services of Jurrien Timber from Ajax. The deal, valued at around £38m, marks an important acquisition for the Gunners as they continue to strengthen their squad under manager Mikel Arteta.

Timber, a highly regarded Netherlands international, has signed a five-year contract with Arsenal. Having progressed through the esteemed Ajax academy, he boasts an impressive record of 160 appearances for the club. Now, the 22-year-old defender is set to embark on a new chapter in his career at the north London club.

In this transfer, Arsenal will pay an initial fee of just over £34m for Timber, with the remaining amount subject to performance-related add-ons. The completion of his medical examination and the finalization of personal terms have cleared the way for his official unveiling, which is expected to take place over the weekend.

Arsenal's pursuit of Timber has been long-standing, with the player being on their radar for some time. He is their second signing of the summer, following the arrival of Kai Havertz for a staggering £65m. Moreover, the Gunners are reportedly on the brink of finalizing a £105m deal to secure the services of West Ham's talented midfielder, Declan Rice.

While Timber is primarily brought in as a right back, he also possesses the versatility to play at center back. This flexibility adds depth to Arsenal's defensive options and further enhances his value to the team. Notably, his abilities have garnered interest from other prominent clubs, including Manchester United.

With 15 international caps to his name, Timber has already represented the Netherlands on the global stage. His notable performances include starting in four out of five matches during the previous World Cup held in Qatar. Unfortunately, the Dutch team was eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual champions Argentina.

The signing of Jurrien Timber represents a significant move by Arsenal to bolster their defense. With his wealth of experience, versatility, and potential, the Gunners will be eager to see him make a lasting impact at the club.

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Thursday, July 13, 2023

Arsenal vs FC Nurnberg: Mikel Arteta Post Match Review

  July 13, 2023    

 


After FC Nurnberg held his team to a 1-1 draw in Germany, Mikel Arteta engaged in a conversation with several journalists who had accompanied the team. The discussion covered various topics related to the summer period, including the match, transfer activities, the squad's physical condition, and tactical considerations.

Despite the team's inability to secure a victory following Bukayo Saka's early goal, Arteta expressed satisfaction with the effort exerted during the 90 minutes. He acknowledged the challenges faced due to several players having participated in only three training sessions. Nonetheless, he highlighted the positive aspects observed and the opportunity for the players to reconnect and develop understanding on the field. Arteta acknowledged that the quality and control of the game declined, as anticipated due to the extensive changes made.

Regarding the chances created during the match, Arteta commended the team's performance in the first half, believing they could have scored more goals. Even in the second half, there were two significant opportunities to score that were missed. He recognized that such mistakes are part of football.

When asked about Kai Havertz's playing position, Arteta emphasized the need to observe how he adapts to the team and builds relationships. He stated that football is about time and experience, and only then will it become clear where Havertz will be best utilized.

Regarding ongoing transfer dealings, Arteta indicated that the team is currently focused on working with the existing group of players. No announcements have been made yet, but the journalists will be informed as soon as there is progress.

Arteta also commented on Granit Xhaka's departure, explaining that it was a decision made in agreement with the player. Xhaka had a strong desire to move on, seeing it as a significant personal opportunity. Arteta emphasized that it was the right move for all parties involved.

Addressing injuries within the team, Arteta revealed that Martin Odegaard and Leo Trossard were struggling with fitness issues, while other players had picked up minor injuries during the week. Given the preseason stage and the limited number of training sessions for some players, Arteta emphasized the need to exercise caution and take a step-by-step approach to their recovery.

Finally, Arteta praised the performance of the academy players who were given the opportunity to showcase their abilities. Despite the challenges of not playing in their usual environment and alongside unfamiliar teammates, he believed they performed admirably.

Source: Arsenal.com and SkySports

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Arsenal in Talks to Sign Gremio Midfielder Bitello

  July 13, 2023    

  • Gremio want £8.5m for midfielder
  • Arsenal sporting director Edu has driven the deal
  • Gunners representatives watched Gremio's cup game with Bahia on Wednesday


Arsenal has initiated discussions with Brazilian club Gremio regarding a potential deal for midfielder Bitello, sources have confirmed to 90min. Representatives from the English club traveled to Brazil earlier this week and were present at Gremio's match against Bahia on Wednesday, with Bitello featuring for the entire 90 minutes.

Bitello has emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal through the efforts of sporting director Edu, who has utilized his connections in Brazil to identify him and explore a potential agreement. Sources indicate that this situation mirrors the signing of Gabriel Martinelli from Ituano in 2019, as both players were relatively unknown in Brazil but were believed by Arsenal scouts to possess the ability to thrive in the Premier League.

It is understood that Gremio is willing to accept a deal worth £8.5m, including potential future profit from any subsequent sale. Ongoing negotiations suggest that an agreement could be reached later this week.

The 23-year-old Bitello primarily operates as an attacking midfielder but is versatile enough to play in various positions across the frontline or midfield. Sources have informed 90min that his style of play bears similarities to former Arsenal winger Willian.

While actively engaging in this summer's transfer market, Arsenal is also focusing on securing Bitello. The club has already confirmed the signing of Kai Havertz and is set to announce deals for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber in the near future.

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Monday, July 10, 2023

Arsenal Training Camp and Pre-Season Squad: Players Heading to Adidassler Sportplatz in Germany

  July 10, 2023    

 


As part of their preparations for the upcoming 2023/24 campaign, Arsenal is currently en route to the Adidassler Sportplatz in Germany for a training camp. The Gunners will face FC Nurnberg on Thursday, July 13th, before heading to the United States for three pre-season matches. The squad has already departed for Germany, and here are the players expected to be on the plane and potentially feature in the upcoming game:

  • Goalkeepers: Aaron Ramsdale, Alex Runarsson, Arthur Okonkwo, James Hillson.
  • Full backs: Cedric, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Lino Sousa.
  • Centre backs: William Saliba, Rob Holding, Reuell Walters, Auston Trusty, Gabriel, Jakub Kiwior.
  • Centre Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Fabio Vieira, Mohamed Elneny, Martin Odegaard, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, Sambi Albert Lokonga, Ismail Ouland-M’hand, Mauro Bandeira, Jack Henry-Francis.
  • Wingers: Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson, Leandro Trossard, Marquinhos, Amario Cozier-Duberry.
  • Centre Forwards: Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Eddie Nketiah, Folarin Balogun, Mika Biereth.

It's important to note that there may be additional youngsters who are not listed above.


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Sunday, July 9, 2023

Arsenal and Watford Battle to 1-1 Draw in First Pre-Season Friendly Match

  July 09, 2023    


 Arsenal's Marquinhos found the back of the net as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Watford in their first pre-season match. The game took place at London Colney, with Mikel Arteta fielding a strong starting line-up featuring Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Eddie Nketiah. 


However, it was Watford who took the lead through Ismael Kone and held on until the second half. After making several changes, including the introduction of Marquinhos, Arsenal equalized with a rebound goal. The match also saw the return of Reiss Nelson, who recently signed a new long-term contract. In transfer news, Arsenal is close to finalizing the signing of Jurrien Timber after he successfully completed a medical.

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Arsenal 2–3 Villarreal: Defensive Issues Persist as Gunners Fall Short in Emirates Preseason Clash

  Arsenal 2–3 Villarreal | Emirates Stadium – Preseason Match Review Arsenal's preseason preparations continued on Sunday with a high-p...