Arsenal

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Attacking midfielder Max Dowman has shown in friendlies against AC Milan and Newcastle exactly why there is so much excitement about his potential.

Having first trained with the first team when he was 14, Dowman was part of the senior squad that travelled to Dubai in January for their winter training camp.

There was even talk around that time about the England youth international getting a call-up to the side following an injury crisis, with key forwards Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus all sidelined at various times through injury.

This summer, Dowman has replaced England international Saka in both pre-season friendlies. While he showed moments of skill in the AC Milan match, it was the performance against Newcastle that demonstrated why he has been tipped for a Premier League debut this season.

A delightful dribble into the area, which ended with Dowman being fouled by Joelinton for a penalty that handed Arsenal a 3-2 victory, was one of the standout moments of the game.

Read the full piece here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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When evaluating the futures of Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi, there is less pressure on Palace to make a big decision on the former.

In many ways it is out of their hands. The England international has a £68m release clause - if a club agrees to meet that fee, then Palace are powerless in deciding his future.

It is understood the buyout expires two weeks before the start of the season, which offers Palace an added layer of protection.

Arsenal have a genuine interest in Eze but so far have shown no inclination of triggering the forward's release fee.

Well-placed sources are also indicating that Arsenal would prefer to sell a forward before making any formal move for Eze.

There is also a feeling at Arsenal that Eze's best position is at number 10 - an area that Martin Odegaard and Ethan Nwaneri operate in.

Eze can play on the left and Arsenal may view the Palace forward as a multi-functional attacker rather than just a number 10.

Palace are aware of Arsenal's interest.

The Gunners are understood to value Eze lower than the clause and want to negotiate a deal beneath the agreement.

As things stand, Palace chairman Steve Parish has offered no hint he would be open to negotiating a lower price; though there is a thought at rival clubs his stance may soften later in the window, to avoid the player going into the final year of his deal.

It is understood Eze is very open to joining Arsenal.

The attraction is clear, with Arsenal a contender for both the Premier League and Champions League next season.

• Read more on Palace from Sami

Crystal Palace have informed Arsenal that they would have to pay at least £35m in advance to sign Eberechi Eze, with the rest of the 27-year-old attacking midfielder's £67.5m fee due in instalments. (Guardian), external

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Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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The interview with Viktor Gyokeres took place at the Arsenal team hotel in Hong Kong.

There were supporters lined up on the driveway and also in the lobby hoping to meet some of their heroes.

I had been introduced to Gyokeres after his unveiling at the Newcastle match in Singapore and his stature is one of the first things you notice - he is an imposing figure.

It was noticeable again when he came into the room at the team hotel, the Arsenal wingers are going to have a good target to aim crosses at.

He was more reserved than I was expecting but given the history of the Arsenal number 14 shirt, in selecting it, he has shown he has the confidence to take on challenges.

That can only be a good sign for someone tasked with getting Arsenal over the line to win trophies.

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

New Arsenal signing Viktor Gyokeres says he just wants "to do my own thing" after taking the number 14 shirt previously worn by the club's all-time leading goalscorer Thierry Henry.

The 27-year-old completed his transfer - worth up to £64m (73m euros) - on Saturday, ending the Gunners' hunt for a striker to help their quest to lift a trophy for the first time since the FA Cup in 2020 in Mikel Arteta's first season.

"Of course I know about the history," said Gyokeres when asked about Henry's famous shirt number.

"To be honest there weren't so many numbers available. There weren't too many to pick from.

"But of course, that one was available. So when I knew that it was an easy choice to take it.

"I don't know. It's not really my intention to be compared with what he's achieved in his career.

"Especially here. I just want to do my own thing and show my qualities. Of course he was an amazing player, but different from me. I just want to try to do my own thing."

Gyokeres says his move was influenced by the fact he felt Arsenal "wanted me here".

He added: "Also because it's a very big club with a lot of history. I just felt that I really wanted to come here and be a part of this club.

"I think you can always have a decision of your future. Of course there were other clubs as well, but I didn't feel it was a difficult choice for me this time."

Read more from Gyokeres

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Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard says youngsters Max Dowman and Marli Salmon have been "amazing" so far on the club's pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Singapore.

The two 15-year-olds have both featured in the Gunners' wins over AC Milan and Newcastle and will hope to get another opportunity in Thursday's North London Derby against Spurs.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said the pairs' performances in the 1-0 win over Milan in Singapore were "incredible".

"I think the whole squad is really good in this way to help the young players and with those two they're so young and have so much quality," Odegaard said while speaking to the media in Hong Kong.

"I just try to share my experience, guide them in the right direction, and help them to keep the right mindset, because you can see that the quality is obviously there.

"Just trying to help them to have the right mindset and to help them feel good in the team and to kind of let them shine and do their thing.

"They've been amazing on this tour and you can also see the quality. It'll be exciting to see in the future."

Thursday's friendly will be the first time a North London Derby takes place outside the UK and Odegaard is excited for the spectacle at Kai Tak Sports Park.

"I love it and I think we all do," he added.

"I think we're all excited to play in front of so many supporters and we really felt that love and the connection here.

"It's been a while since we've played this type of game so I think that's what we all want and for me it's a good thing that we get a proper test, and something that means a little bit more with a derby.

"I think we're all just really excited and eager to play."

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool are set to sign Salford City's teenage striker Will Wright, beating Arsenal to a deal in the process.

The 17-year-old has passed his medical ahead of a £200,000 move to Liverpool, with Arsenal now considering alternative targets to strengthen their academy team.

One target is England Under-17 international Igor Tyjon, currently at Blackburn

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Thursday's pre-season friendly against rivals Tottenham in Hong Kong (12:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Arteta confirmed defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori will miss the match through injury while new signings Viktor Gyokeres will be assessed by the medical team today to determine whether he can be involved.

• On Gyokeres taking the number 14 shirt, famously worn by Thierry Henry: "I use the word conviction and that's the first thing that I noticed when I spoke to him. Someone very determined, someone that was already really attached to the club in the way he was talking, about the history and in this case Thierry and what the shirt represented. He straight away felt it. When you feel it, go for it."

• Arteta said he is content with the Gunners' transfer business so far: "I am extremely happy with the way we have approached the window and how aggressive we have been. There's still a long period still with the window open. So far we are very happy with what we've achieved so make sure at the end of the window we continue to be super happy."

• On the first north London derby to take place outside the UK: "[It is] a great idea to bring football tradition and a rivalry to a completely different country. It's an opportunity for everybody to feel that and for us, it increases the competition level again and is a different challenge."

• On the atmosphere in Hong Kong: They're going to be so lucky to play in this incredible stadium with 50,000 people, who I'm sure are going to be super loud and passionate. The most impressive thing is our supporters. It makes us feel that this trip is worth it as people here deserve to see the team as well."

• On his goals for next season: "To do better than the previous one. I think we all know what that means. Everything this time is in preparation - in terms of how we build the squad and how ready the team is going to be to compete from day one. Everything that we've seen so far is very very positive."

On BBC Radio 5 Live's Big Transfer Talk Show, the panel discuss the impact that Viktor Gyokeres could have at Arsenal.

"This guy is ridiculous and there are so many ways that he improves Arsenal," said Statman Dave.

"With him in their side, they will win the league. Depth is a massive thing - they have two in every position and they should win the league this season."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Arsenal remain interested in England winger Eberechi Eze, 27, but are not willing to meet a release clause in excess of £60m and will only bid if Crystal Palace reduce their asking price. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Borussia Dortmund are monitoring the situation of Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard, 30, but the Belgium attacker is also wanted by two Premier League clubs. (Sky Sports Germany), external

Finally, West Ham are eyeing Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira, 25, who joined Arsenal in 2022 but spent last season on loan at Porto. (Ben Jacobs), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

On Thursday in Hong Kong, Arsenal and Tottenham will play the first north London derby outside of the UK.

It is also Spurs boss Thomas Frank's first time managing Tottenham against their rivals. And, despite it being Arsenal, Frank is looking forward to the match.

"I think it's a great challenge even besides being our biggest rivals and the first north London derby outside the UK," he explained.

"It's also right now [against] one of the best teams I must say unfortunately in the world. We need to be honest.

"In that way it's going to be a big test. But it's more than a test, as against Arsenal it's not only a friendly. Of course, it's a game we will do everything we can to win."

Laura Kirk-Francis
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

On Saturday, Arsenal finally announced the signing of Viktor Gyokeres and a months-long transfer saga - and an even longer wait for a striker - has finally ended.

Arsenal's interest in the Sweden international has been one of this summer's worst-kept secrets. Even a few days prior to the announcement, fans were still debating whether Gyokeres was actually the right missing piece for the Gunners' squad.

The drawn-out affair of the negotiations has meant expectations are high, yet it is unclear whether he will be fit enough to start the season, when Arsenal face a difficult first few games. Regardless, fans will be desperate to see him hit the ground running.

Despite his impressive goal tally last season in Portugal, Gyokeres himself will also be on a mission to prove himself at his new club. His rumoured desperation to make the move to Arsenal has already endeared him to fans.

For too long, Arsenal have been a team of technical and skilled players, slotting together to make manager Mikel Arteta's perfect albeit polite attacking unit. Gyokeres represents a different approach, and fans will be expecting him to use his power to bully opponents in ways Arsenal could not do last season.

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He will join a squad bolstered this transfer window by a fleet of smart, although not spectacular signings. As Arsenal experiment with their new-look midfield on pre-season in Singapore, the feelings remains this squad is one signing short.

Similarly, while busy with incoming players, Arsenal are yet to move some of the players who have fallen out of favour. Oleksandr Zinchenko's future is unclear, while fans continue to question whether an upgrade on Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli is needed. Funds from such sales could go towards an additional signing.

With Gyokeres, Arsenal have indeed got their man. But without an additional left-sided player, there might be a risk that come September, fans are left content but underwhelmed.

Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast, external

There is something unique about a football fan's love for their club.

As once said by the great Arrigo Sacchi: "Football is the most important of the least important things in life".

Tears of joy - and heartbreak. Friendships forged. Memories that last a lifetime.

Sometimes it is there from the beginning, sometimes a moment is what starts it all or takes it to another level.

Wherever it comes from, the love for a club is often there for life.

As a new season edges closer, we want to know why you love Arsenal.

When was the moment it all began?

What is your most special memory?

Your first home game? Earliest shirt? A seminal away trip?

Send us your pictures and stories

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

William Saliba says that he will "hopefully" sign a new contract with Arsenal.

The defender is into the final two years of his contract, which expires in 2027.

His centre-back partner Gabriel has committed his future to the club and agreed a deal until 2029.

Arsenal are also hoping to secure a new deal with Bukayo Saka, who is also into the last two years of his contract.

Saliba is part of the squad in Singapore on Arsenal's pre-season tour and, when asked about whether he will sign a new contract, he said: "Yes, hopefully - of course there is nothing now but there is a good conversation with my agent and the club. Let's see."

Before the friendly with Newcastle, Arsenal's new signing Viktor Gyokeres was unveiled to supporters.

"We know how good he is, it's scary to play against him," added France international Saliba.

"I'm so happy to have him in my club. I'm sure that he will help us to win games and win trophies."

• Find and follow your Premier League club on BBC Sport

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"Our mindset is to win the Premier League and we will give everything from the first game," says Arsenal centre-back William Saliba.

The Gunners have strengthened their squad this summer, providing much-needed depth to mount a serious challenge, and are ready to take the next step to get their hands on the title.

"We have to learn from the last three seasons," said Saliba. "Of course, we are lucky to have a chance to compete in the Premier League again and try to win.

"We have a lot of new players and they will hopefully help us to win this league."

With expectation comes pressure, but that is not something the France international fears.

"Pressure is good," he added. "That means we are in a good place.

"We need to keep going like this. If we are not good we don't have pressure, so it's good.

"We play football to have pressure. We are in a good mood and we've had a good trip [in Singapore]."

Neil Johnston and Emlyn Begley
BBC Sport journalists

Image source, @OPTAANALYST

"I don't think he's the guy," former England defender Rio Ferdinand said of Viktor Gyokeres on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, when the striker was linked with Manchester United.

"I've watched him probably three times really, really closely. And three times I've gone: 'He ain't getting that opportunity in the Prem'. Is there enough - after he's physically matched - to get him a goal?"

Take a glance at the list of leading goalscorers in Europe's top leagues in 2024-25 and the usual suspects are there.

Gyokeres, who is 6ft 2in, managed 39, though the Primeira Liga is not considered one of the top five leagues in Europe.

The question is whether Gyokeres he can be prolific in a stronger league. He has just turned 27 and is yet to play in Europe's top five divisions - hence Ferdinand's comments.

It is perhaps worth noting 35% of his goals in 2024-25 came from penalties, as he successfully converted all 19 of his spot-kicks.

There is little denying that Gyokeres is a goalscorer, but will he be such a success against elite-level defences?

"Obviously with Arsenal's front players there's going to be competition," Bjorn Hamberg, Gyokeres' former assistant coach at Brighton and fellow Swede, told BBC Sport.

"I think he's committed to let go again and obviously he understands that Arsenal will be another step up in the ladder.

"At the same time, in his last few seasons, especially in the Champions League, you can see he is probably more prepared than ever to take that challenge on.

"He improves every year and normally stays fit. He's just one of those players who is good around the box, a good finisher, but he's also quite strong in transition and in big spaces.

"So he's quite versatile in that sense and I think that's a really big thing in the Premier League."

• Read more on Viktor Gyokeres

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says it "has been a long journey" to sign striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon but everyone is now "very excited" that he is here.

The 27-year-old was unveiled before the Gunners 3-2 win over Newcastle in Singapore, having gone straight from the airport to the stadium.

As he has not yet trained with his new team-mates, and has not properly trained since Sporting won the Primeira Liga title in May, Arteta is yet to confirm whether the striker will be available for their game against Tottenham in Hong Kong on Thursday.

"We are super happy to have Viktor with us," said Arteta. "It's been a long journey to get him over here.

"He's been incredible. He was very clear from the beginning where he wanted to play and that passion I felt from him from day one when we first spoke.

"You can see the boys [are] very excited with his arrival.

"I don't think he has had a single training session with the team since the last game with Sporting when they became champions. So we will assess him.

"He's done all the medicals and everything is looking good, but getting him up to speed with the right levels of fitness is very important.

"So we're not going to stop him. We want him with us as quick as possible, but we'll have to assess and the medical team will do that."

Newcastle and Tottenham are interested in Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus, 28, but the Brazil forward is also wanted by Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter Milan. (Caught Offside), external

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Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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New Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres was introduced to the crowd in Singapore while 15-year-old Max Dowman once again impressed as the Gunners beat Newcastle 3-2 in pre-season.

As soon as it was announced before the match that Gyokeres would be arriving in Singapore, the pre-season friendly was not going to be the most important topic of the day.

Supporters in the stadium were mimicking the trademark celebration of the Swedish striker and, when he was welcomed to the pitch from the tunnel surrounded by flames, the noise levels went up a notch.

The 27-year-old forward has not trained with his new team-mates and came straight from the airport to the stadium to greet the crowd.

Germany forward Kai Havertz has done an excellent job leading the line for Arsenal over the past couple of seasons but Gyokeres is the type of traditional centre-forward Gunners fans have been crying out for.

The only real worry from the match for Mikel Arteta was that Riccardo Calafiori limped off just two minutes into the second half and was replaced by Jakub Kiwior.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on whether Viktor Gyokeres is the right man to solve Mikel Arteta's striker conundrum and what a successful first season would look like for the club's sixth arrival of the summer.

Here are some of your comments:

Lachlan: Gyokeres is definitely the man we need - someone who is on form and hungry as well as having ridiculous goal contributions! I've genuinely never been this excited for a signing before. I can't wait to see him play.

Dan: The obvious missing piece to the puzzle is finally in place! Hopefully he can get up to speed quickly in a more competitive league. We just need to get a deal done for Eberechi Eze as an extra central attacking midfielder/left-winger and that will be a solid transfer window.

Will: It's interesting that Gyokeres went through various clubs, honing his skills, and eventually became a potent striker with Sporting. At 27, he is entering his prime years. Let's not forget that before William Saliba established himself as a stalwart in the team, he was out on loan for three seasons finessing his skills. Andrea Berta has shown his worth in a very short time with some very shrewd business.

Hans: Finally! If Arteta had Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz scoring up top, I think Gyokeres will be a very huge hit at the club.

Guy: I'm not sure Gyokeres is the right striker for us, but having him in the team will definitely improve us. I think it is a big risk for the amount of money paid and a lot of pressure on him. Hopefully Arteta can work on some tactics to get the best out of him because he is great in transition but we are a possession team.

Oluwarotimi: Gyokeres seems to be the round peg in the round hole. He is no longer a novice or a rookie to the Premier League. His determination, dedication and diligence hopefully will make an outstanding performer next season.

Alexius: I haven't been this excited since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang! This is a great signing, he will score a minimum of 20 goals and lead us to the title.

Lu: He is our new Freddie Ljungberg.

Sean: Let's not get too excited yet, let's wait until end of next season! I'm a lifelong Gooner so he has a lot to prove. Fingers crossed he doesn't get injured in the early or end part of this campaign!