Arsenal Secure Elijah Upson Signing
Arsenal have completed the signing of 18-year-old centre-back Elijah Upson, son of former Gunners defender Matt Upson. The teenager, who previously played for Tottenham Hotspur, turned down a professional contract from Roberto De Zerbi's team to join Arsenal, according to the Mirror. Upson made 23 appearances for Spurs' youth teams last season and played a key role in a 4-1 north London derby win in the Under-18 Premier League. His father Matt, 47, won the Premier League with Arsenal in the 2001/02 season and earned 21 caps for England.
John Stones Emerges as Surprise Target
Arsenal are considering a move for free agent John Stones, 32, following William Saliba's back injury. Stones left Manchester City at the end of June after over a decade at the Etihad. Mikel Arteta previously worked with Stones during his time as Pep Guardiola's assistant. French media suggest Saliba could be sidelined for up to five months, and Arsenal view Stones as a short-term, cost-effective solution despite his own injury history. Inter Milan are also monitoring the England defender.
Bradley Barcola Price Tag Set at £116m
Arsenal remain linked with PSG winger Bradley Barcola, but any deal would require a significant outlay. According to David Ornstein on the Athletic FC podcast, PSG do not want to sell the 23-year-old and would demand a fee considerably higher than Elliot Anderson's £116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City. Barcola has two years left on his contract, has not signed an extension, and is open to leaving. Ornstein stated: "Bradley Barcola has been mentioned, but we don't know of active movements from Arsenal on Barcola at this moment in time. Barcola is a player Liverpool really like... PSG's standpoint is that they do not want to sell him."
Arsenal Pre-Season Preparations
Arsenal kick off pre-season against Girona on August 1, followed by the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 16. Arteta hopes to integrate new signings before the new campaign, especially with injury concerns. The Gunners are Premier League champions and aim to strengthen their squad after the World Cup.
