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.

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?

Elite level of reporting,glad we have you covering this great club.

@HandofArsenal Elite level of reporting,glad we have you covering this great club.

• Mikel Arteta is set to renew his contract with Arsenal and spearhead the title defence of The English Champions. The club approached our Basque native earlier this year, and it was agreed Mikel wanted to focus on delivering us major silverware & to earn his position within the home of the champions. Total accountability. My understanding is that Enrique Riquleme explored a secret plot to bring Arteta to Madrid if he had won his presidential election. Mikel is currently on 'holiday', yet actively involved in our transfer operations. While everyone at the club are behaving like it’s a done deal, the club hope to finalise the inner details of the most important contract at the club. Minimum 3 years - the wheels are firmly on. Viva La Mikel. • Andrea Berta's current contract runs until 2028. As I understand it, senior officials from Saudi explored a possibility of luring the Italian to the Middle East, while Bayern also covertly did the same thing. Andrea promised Mikel last summer he would deliver him a squad worthy of major silverware… mission completed, with the UCL now in their sights. Another thing I wanted to mention is Micheli Maurizio, the man responsible for scouting Hamšík, Kvaratskhelia, Kim Min-Jae and now Christos Tzolis. While Arsenal aim to add atleast 2 attackers, do not underestimate the authority and respect this man has within the club and wider football. Two weeks ago, I was speaking to the representatives of a player who told me Micheli was the one holding court without the presence of Berta. This duo act are conducting business seamlessly, as you can see with the revamp of the Arsenal youth set up, for which I am told the club have ring fenced a special transfer budget. • The contract of Declan Rice is also a major focus for Arsenal this summer, with initial talks starting early this year. As I understand it, Declan is very happy at Arsenal despite interest from the likes of Real Madrid and others. Talks are going smoothly and expect this to get done in due course. • Jurrien Timber's contract is very close to completion. Minor details remain. • David Raya has a 1 year optional extension on his current contract, which has 2 years left. All parties are very relaxed about his long term future, as a pay rise was agreed last summer. As for all the rumours circulating, as of today, Arsenal are yet to make direct contact with ANY club for a MIDFIELDER. I am happy to provide a 'state of play' post on the midfielder situation if that would be helpful? HandofArsenal roundtable.io/sports/soccer/…