Arsenal Era

Christos Tzolis is practically a younger version of Trossard, but with better physicality. Predominantly a LW, who’s comfortable on either flank and can also operate centrally. A good blend of goalscoring and chance creation.

@TheAthleticFC The truth is there’s favoritism in football as much as any other field in life. FIFA are not going to send the god of football off 30 minutes in to his first World Cup match in 4 years. Once you accept this truth, you’ll be at peace

As brilliant and utterly irrepressible as Lionel Messi is, there have been a few occasions during his illustrious career when opponents — and certainly opposition fans — have suggested that he has received “special treatment” from referees. What is certain is that, between scoring his first and second goals against Algeria, he got lucky. A challenge on Algeria captain Aissa Mandi, who was caught by Messi on his right calf and Achilles tendon, could have earned at least a yellow card — and plausibly a red card — but Polish referee Szymon Marciniak was content to award a free kick. It was a strange incident. Mandi was in control of the ball, going nowhere fast, and there was little prospect of dispossessing him from Messi’s position. To make a lunge like that, with his studs up, seemed incomprehensible, never mind dangerous. Special treatment? At the very least it was lenient refereeing. A yellow card would perhaps have been the most widely expected outcome — a red card second — but Messi was certainly lucky to get away scot-free. ✍️ @OliverKay FREE TO READ: nyti.ms/4vVqN2V

The truth is there’s favoritism in football as much as any other field in life. FIFA are not going to send the god of football off 30 minutes in to his first World Cup match in 4 years. Once you accept this truth, you’ll be at peace

Of course Morgan Rogers would want to join the champions of England over every other team, who wouldn’t? I’m sure he’s also built relationships with Saka, Eze, and Noni in the World Cup camp. I fully expect talks to accelerate immediately after the tournament. We don’t need Barcola, but the one situation where I’d take him is if he doesn’t prevent the Morgan Rogers transfer from happening and is bought at the right price. The midfield signing is still an open question. Arsenal need to stay as far away from Tonali as possible. He’s not the right profile for the club, especially at a £100m price tag. Just go all-in for Bouaddi.

Messi still had at least three Ballon d'Ors left in him if he'd stayed in Europe. There's never been a player this good at this age. Never. Not even close. We'll never see his like again.

@FabrizioRomano The funny thing about Messi hate is that it almost always has a backstory. It’s usually because your club suffered at his hands, or your favorite player spent their entire career being endlessly compared to him.

👑 Lionel Messi becomes second top goalscorer EVER in World Cup history! 15 WC goals, same as Ronaldo Nazario. One missing to make history as Miro Klose’s record is set at 16 World Cup goals. 💥

Argentina are excellent when they dominate high possession. However, they struggle in transitional moments. Their passive 4-4-2 lacks intensity in pressing the ball and clear forward outlets on the top line, especially against man-to-man pressure. They also miss runners in behind and overall quality in transition. Bringing in a winger instead of De Paul would make a lot of sense.

Whoever gets their hands on Bradley Barcola is signing one of the most devastating technicians on the planet. I dread to think how difficult Arsenal would be to stop with this game-breaker at their disposal,but only at the right price(€60M)

@FabrizioRomano 38 year old Messi brings more defensive output than Mbappe

⭐️🇦🇷 Leo Messi now has 14 World Cup goals, same as Kylian Mbappé and Müller. Ronaldo (15) and Klose (16) on top of the list. 👀

38 year old Lionel Messi brings more defensive work rate than Kylian Mbappe.

He is still the 🐐

@FabrizioRomano Best player in world football.

✨🇫🇷 58 goals by Kylian Mbappé for France, most EVER.

Arsenal has to avoid him at all costs.

@David_Ornstein @TheAthleticFC @Matt_Law_DT Arsenal has to avoid him at all costs

🚨 Tino Livramento to miss World Cup with calf injury. Not serious but major blow for Newcastle United defender & #England ahead of #2026FIFAWorldCup opener vs #Croatia - 23yo returning to #NUFC + Trevoh Chalobah called up @TheAthleticFC post @Matt_Law_DT nytimes.com/athletic/73654…

Great until you hear he is worth £100M

@adamkeys_ Great until you hear he is worth £100M

It’s very clear that #Arsenal want more technical players this season, and Alex Scott fits that mould as a passer and carrier. He has a great engine, and has developed a newfound tenacity in the last two seasons, the kind that Mikel Arteta demands. Baller.

You don’t realize what you’ve till you release him.

@FabrizioRomano So sad.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham have entered the race to sign Sandro Tonali! 💣🇮🇹 De Zerbi wants Tonali as new star for the midfield, ideal to step up #THFC level. Spurs ready to face Man City and Arsenal in the race for Tonali for new ambitious project to prove their intentions.

Sorry, Spurs fans, but Tonali is a level above this. He’s ready for the elites. Why would he join a small club from a bigger club?

@EBL2017 Sorry, Spurs fans, but Tonali is a level above this. He’s ready for the elites. Why would he join a small club from a bigger club?

Sorry, Spurs fans, but Tonali is a level above this. He’s ready for the elites.

Spain have a massive problem. The myth of their “great team” was completely exposed tonight against Cape Verde. They’re basically a one-man team — or one-and-a-half if you count Nico Williams as the loyal sidekick. Take away that wing duo and Spain look cooked. Depth? What depth?