Arsenal are entering a crucial phase in the summer window that will shape their fortunes next season. With the World Cup drawing to a close this week, attention will return to club football and the transfer market. Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta has been playing a patient game, reportedly making headway by securing personal terms with several prime targets, including Bruno Guimaraes and Morgan Rogers.
Eight Arsenal Stars Set to Miss Matches
The eight Arsenal players who have progressed to the World Cup semi-finals have been given a return date for club duties. All players are officially afforded a minimum 21-day break as part of their summer holiday period, which can be waived but is typically urged to ensure full refreshment, reports the Mirror. David Raya, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Declan Rice are all set to feature in World Cup semi-final clashes this week.
Should any be knocked out, their anticipated return date would fall after the pre-season friendly against Real Betis on August 5 in Dublin. They would also be absent for the friendly against Girona on August 1. An Emirates Cup encounter with Borussia Dortmund on August 9 is Arsenal's next fixture and when fit players not in the final are expected back. Several players, including Rice, Saka and Saliba, have been managing fitness concerns and could return later.
Bruno Guimaraes' Dad Goes Public
Arsenal target Bruno Guimaraes' father has spoken out following his son's vital penalty miss for Brazil at the World Cup. The Newcastle United star, who has allegedly informed the Magpies he desires a switch to north London, fluffed a crucial spot-kick against Norway earlier this month. The midfielder's miss led to Martin Odegaard's team pulling off a surprise win over Brazil in the round of 16.
Dick Guimaraes shared a revealing message on Instagram days after Brazil's exit, amid swirling transfer rumours. Translated from Portuguese via Newcastle World, the post stated: "You need courage to enter the arena and do what needs to be done. From the stands, it is very easy to give opinions." Newcastle have maintained that their captain is not for grabs, but Arsenal are believed to be considering a bid, especially since Guimaraes has indicated his desire to join Arteta's squad. He is said to have agreed personal terms with Arsenal, and a £76m fee is thought to be enough to prise him from the Magpies.
Arsenal's Transfer Plans
The rest of this month is expected to be hectic, as last year witnessed Arsenal announce six signings in July alone. While such extensive additions are improbable this time, it's anticipated Berta and Arteta will seek to bring in several top-quality signings before the campaign kicks off with the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 16. The Gunners are looking to build on their Premier League triumph under Arteta.
