Arsenal Team News - Soccer

William Saliba - Solid defensively Saliba had five clearances and one interception in Thursday's 2-0 win versus Morocco.

Impact Saliba would play the full 90 minutes Thursday as he would earn a clean sheet, notching one interception and five clearances in the win. That said, this is the fourth straight clean sheet the center-back has helped his team to. He has only left the field once all tournament, having been rested against Norway in the group stage finale.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Declan Rice - Still not training, dealt illness Rice was not in training for a second consecutive day due to an illness, according to Sami Mokbel of the BBC.

Impact Rice was once again left out of training as the midfielder recovers from some lingering problems. The midfielder was dealing with a neural issue and is now confirmed to have an illness, making his symptoms worse. It appears this could be a concern, but with another day until their match, he does have time to recover, and the main focus remains on keeping the other players away from the illness, possibly the reason he is missing out. He should still be considered a starter for the team heading into Saturday, although that could quickly change if improvement doesn't come soon.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Arsenal feels like 'family', says Merino Mikel Merino has played a key role under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, and he is planning to stay in north London in the immediate future.

1 DAY AGO • BEINSPORTS.COM

Illan Meslier - Joins Arsenal Meslier completed a transfer to Arsenal from Leeds United, the club announced.

Impact Meslier arrives in North London after seven seasons with Leeds, where he made 215 appearances across all competitions and kept 70 clean sheets. The 26-year-old established himself as one of the Championship and Premier League's most experienced goalkeepers, recording 107 top-flight appearances during his time at Elland Road. Having begun his career at Lorient before moving to England in 2019, Meslier now joins the reigning Premier League champions to strengthen Arsenal's goalkeeping depth ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. He is expected to compete for minutes while bringing significant experience despite still being in the prime years of his career.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Declan Rice - Misses training, still an option Rice was not training Wednesday as he does recovery work on a lower back injury, but is expected to still play against Norway on Saturday, according to John Cross of the Mirror.

Impact Rice is still dealing with a bit of pain in his back, a persistent issue this World Cup. That has led the midfielder to take training easy and do some recovery work instead of joining the team for training, although this is unlikely to force him to miss time. He should then return to his starting role when facing Norway on Saturday, a major part of the team they cannot do without, as he serves as their anchor in the middle of the pitch.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Leandro Trossard - Picks up helper in USA game Trossard assisted once to go with four shots (zero on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 4-1 victory against USA.

Impact Trossand put together another convincing display in the World Cup, leading his team in attempts, although he wasn't precise in that respect, and providing an assist with a perfect cross for Charles De Ketelaere. He has made the stat sheet in three games on the trot thanks to a brace and back-to-back helpers. He has notched at least one shot, totaling 17 (three on target), and one key pass, amassing 17, in five straight matches, adding seven crosses (two accurate), six tackles (one won) and five interceptions over that span.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Mikel Merino - Scores late game-winner Merino scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Monday's 1-0 victory versus Portugal.

Impact Merino would only enter the match as an option from the bench, coming on in the 85th minute. However, he would not take long to put his mark on the match, scoring in stoppage time to win the match for Spain. This is his first goal since returning from a long injury break during the league season, good news for the midfielder as he finds his legs again. He remains more of a bench option for the Spanish national team, only starting in one of his five appearances this World Cup, while earning 132 minutes of play.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Declan Rice - Two corners in 3-2 win Rice recorded one cross (zero accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 3-2 victory over Mexico. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 1st minute.

Impact Rice was relatively quiet as England won 3-2 against Mexico to book their place in the quarter-finals against Norway and his fellow Arsenal teammate Martin Odegaard. He took two corners, which were his fewest in the tournament so far, with the previous lowest being five. He had to be careful in the game as he was booked within the first minute. He also made two blocks and clearance.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Bukayo Saka - Provides assist in win Saka assisted once to go with two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 3-2 win against Mexico.

Impact Saka lifted a ball that led to Jude Bellingham's opener after dribbling into the box in the 36th minute against the co-hosts. Having previously seen limited action as a backup option behind Noni Madueke, Saka showed he's now in good shape to start matches and could continue to make an impact on the right wing. He has stood out for his three assists in five appearances (two starts), ranking on top of the squad in that category.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Gabriel Martinelli - Quiet outing in first start Martinelli recorded one interception in Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Norway.

Impact Martinelli had a pretty quiet outing stat-wise during Brazil's frustrating loss. That was his first start in World Cup play, but the Arsenal forward could not do much and finished with two chances created. He had three appearances off the bench with one goal to his name.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Gabriel Magalhaes - Makes seven clearances in loss Gabriel generated two tackles (zero won), seven clearances and one interception in Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Norway.

Impact Gabriel led Brazil in clearances during the frustrating and early elimination. The centerback lost the battle against Haaland with only two aerials won. He finished the World Cup with 22 clearances in five starts as his best overall stat.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Martin Odegaard - Lacks decisive touch Sunday Odegaard registered three shots (one on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and four corners in Sunday's 2-1 win versus Brazil.

Impact Odegaard's three-game assisting streak ended as he couldn't make his crosses count this time, though he remained productive with 101 accurate passes and multiple shots during the win. The Arsenal star has recorded most minutes in the current World Cup, except in the third group match where he was rested. He'll have another chance to get back on track in the quarterfinals, hoping to support the team through creative skill.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Declan Rice - Starting as expected Rice (back) is part of England's starting XI to face Mexico on Sunday.

Impact Rice won't be forced to miss the World Cup round of 16 match after being questionable prior to the game. However, the central man has been playing through discomfort and may struggle to complete the full 90 minutes. Despite being tested as a full-back due to England's injury situation, Rice will feature in his regular midfield position, with Jarell Quansah operating in the wide defensive spot. The Arsenal player has excelled in creative duties throughout the tournament, averaging 4.0 chances created per game and providing one assist over three appearances.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

William Saliba - Makes 10 clearances in victory Saliba generated 10 clearances and one interception in Saturday's 1-0 win over Paraguay.

Impact Saliba had a solid performance in his regular center-back position, finishing with a game-high total of clearances while reaching double digits in that stat for the first time during the current World Cup. He's in good form after completing 90 minutes in two consecutive knockout games and helping his team allow no goals in that span. While the next challenge against Morocco will be significantly tougher, Saliba could remain an appealing asset thanks to his defensive consistency and his involvement in France's possessions.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Declan Rice - Likely to be available Rice has been managing a neural problem affecting his hamstring and lower back throughout the tournament and was substituted in injury time of the win over DR Congo, though he is l...

Impact Rice has been soldiering through the issue throughout the World Cup, with manager Thomas Tuchel insisting there is no structural injury despite the significant discomfort. The Arsenal captain will aim to be fit enough to start against Mexico at altitude in Mexico City, with his availability considered likely despite the ongoing pain management. Jordan Henderson and Kobbie Mainoo would be the likely replacements if the Gunner can't make it.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

'Not a classy attacker' but Viktor Gyokeres backed by fellow Swede to produce his 'best' for Arsenal in Premier League title defence

Former Arsenal and Sweden midfielder Stefan Schwarz has told GOAL that while Viktor Gyokeres may not be a "classy attacker", he is finding h...

JULY 3 • goal

'Not a classy attacker' but Viktor Gyokeres backed by fellow Swede to produce his 'best' for Arsenal in Premier League title defence

Real Madrid address Enzo Fernandez transfer rumours after Chelsea star's agent hints at summer move

Real Madrid have moved swiftly to shut down mounting speculation linking them with a sensational summer move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fer...

JULY 3 • goal

Real Madrid address Enzo Fernandez transfer rumours after Chelsea star's agent hints at summer move

Jeremy Monga Transfer: How Man City 'Jumped' Ahead of Arsenal The 16-year-old has been coveted by several Premier League teams.

JULY 2 • SI.COM

Declan Rice - Playing through pain Rice is dealing with lower back and neural pain, which has affected his hamstrings, and is considered an injury doubt for the Round of 16 clash against Mexico on Sunday, John Cross...

Impact Even though Thomas Tuchel revealed "there's no injury" with Rice and that "I think he'll recover," it's worth mentioning that Rice has had fitness issues throughout the World Cup. The Arsenal star, who closed out the win over DR Congo at right-back due to tactical needs and a subpar showing from Djed Spence, will try to recover in time to start in a tough matchup against El Tri at the altitude of Mexico City. If Rice isn't fit enough to play, Jordan Henderson and Kobbie Mainoo would be logical replacements, though Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze could also be alternatives, as well as Reece James (hamstring), to play in the middle of the park.

JULY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Fabio Vieira - Returns to Arsenal Vieira has returned to Arsenal following the conclusion of his loan spell at Hamburger, where the Portuguese midfielder enjoyed his most productive season in years.

Impact Vieira scored seven goals and provided five assists across 29 Bundesliga appearances in 2,215 minutes, finishing as Hamburger's top scorer and establishing himself as one of the most creative and consistent attacking midfielders in the division. The attacking midfielder will now return to Arsenal to determine his future with the club, with his outstanding campaign in Germany the strongest case he has made for earning a regular role under manager Mikel Arteta after two consecutive loan spells away from the Emirates.

JULY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Ethan Nwaneri - Departs Marseille Nwaneri will leave Marseille when his loan spell ends, according to Anthony Aubes of La Provence.

Impact Nwaneri made limited appearances this season, recording two goals and one assist across 322 Ligue 1 minutes in a rotational role. Nwaneri joined from Arsenal on loan and struggled to nail down consistent playing time despite flashes of quality, and now returns to England ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

JULY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Leandro Trossard - Bags assist Trossard assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and three chances created in Wednesday's 3-2 win over Senegal.

Impact Trossard would start a fourth straight match Wednesday and earned a decent start, as he earned an assist on Youri Tielemans' 89th-minute goal to send the match into extra time. This comes as a second straight game with a goal contribution for the attacker, as he earned a brace in their group stage finale. He is now up to three goal contributions in his four appearances this World Cup, a major piece of the attack as Belgium advances to the round of 16.

JULY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Bukayo Saka - Four crosses off bench Saka generated four crosses (zero accurate) and two tackles in Wednesday's 2-1 win versus the DR Congo.

Impact Saka came off the bench and sent in four crosses during Wednesday's win. He provided a threat down the right flank but couldn't produce any end product at the end. The winger should be in for a big role against Mexico, though his fitness has been managed throughout the tournament, so his role might be off the bench for that round of 16 clash.

JULY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Declan Rice - 12 crosses in win Rice had 12 crosses (four accurate) and five corners in Wednesday's 2-1 win against the DR Congo.

Impact Rice sent in 12 crosses and took five corners during Wednesday's win, but he didn't make a big impact on the match. He couldn't find the killer ball to set up Harry Kane and co. at the top of the formation. The midfielder has been excellent throughout the tournament and should be back in a huge role when England take on Mexico next time out.

JULY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Noni Madueke - Major volume in win Noni Madueke generated two shots (zero on goal), 10 crosses (three accurate) and three chances created in Wednesday's 2-1 victory against the DR Congo.

Impact Madueke sent in 10 crosses and created three chances during an hour on the pitch Wednesday. The winger was a threat every time he got on the ball out wide, but he couldn't find a friendly head in the box. Madueke should continue to be a threat off the wing as part of England's excellent attack as they move on to the round of 16 and a tough clash with Mexico.

JULY 1 • ROTOWIRE

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'Not a classy attacker' but Viktor Gyokeres backed by fellow Swede to produce his 'best' for Arsenal in Premier League title defence

Real Madrid address Enzo Fernandez transfer rumours after Chelsea star's agent hints at summer move