Having a 1-1 draw in their most recent pre-season encounter, Arsenal won against Bournemouth on penalties. Although Fabio Vieira gave the Gunners the lead, late in the game Antoine Semenyo leveled for Bournemouth. Arsenal emerged 5-4 in a shootout that followed. Following a game against Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, Mikel Arteta’s squad now gets ready to meet Manchester United and Liverpool in their upcoming friendly. These games will be vital tests as Arsenal polishes its lineup before the next season.
Arsenal Star Set To Leave The Club For £35m
Emile Smith-Rowe, one of Arsenal’s longest-serving players off the field, may be on route out. Ben Jacobs claims Fulham is close on a £35 million deal for the midfielder. Product of Arsenal’s junior program, Smith-Rowe has made 115 senior appearances, netting 18 goals and dishing 13 assists. Though he has promise, under Arteta he has had difficulty finding playing time in previous seasons.
Though it seems Fulham has won the race, Crystal Palace’s interests were also mentioned. Adaptable, Smith-Rowe can play as an offensive midfielder or on either wing. Seeking regular first-team play and a change to Craven Cottage lets him remain in London, the 23-year-old is apparently open to the transfer.
Although Smith-Rowe’s contract with Arsenal continues until 2026, the draw of increased playing time at Fulham seems to have changed his mind. For Arsenal, this possible departure signifies a major change as they must combine the need for quick results with the development of new talent.
The big test is yet to come even if pre-season performance like that versus Bournemouth is promising. The next friendlies will highlight further the squad’s preparedness. Smith-Rowe’s probably leaving also symbolizes the team’s continuous change under Arteta. The Gunners have to keep moving forward, making sure they are ready for the opening of the next season and controlling player flow.
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Arsenal is negotiating with Paris Saint-Germain to bring Fabian Ruiz to the Emirates. Mikel Arteta’s team hasn’t added any fresh players this summer. Still, they are almost closing a €50 million (£42.1m) contract for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. Before the next season starts, Arsenal wants to add a central midfielder and a new offensive player to their team. Last season’s Premier League runner-up Arsenal has shown interest in Ruiz after his outstanding performances for Spain at Euro 2024, according to Duncan Castles. Ruiz moves depending on Arsenal selling a midfielder.
The agreement with PSG may reflect the David Raya move from Brentford last summer, most likely a loan with a buy-after a year commitment. Ruiz paid €21.5m (£18.5m) to join PSG from Napoli in August 2022. Starting just 21 games in Ligue 1 during his rookie season, he battled to carve a consistent place in PSG’s midfield. Luis Enrique previous season only has 14 league starts.
Ruiz shined for Spain at Euro 2024, scoring twice and assisting twice, therefore ranking among the tournament’s best performers despite his club difficulties. Ruiz told Le Parisien he is content in Paris and has three years remaining on his contract, with many goals to reach at PSG when questioned about his future.
