Even though Yankee Gooner took a long, needed vacation, the football world took zero time off.
So, what have I missed recently?
In no particular order here are a few of the top stories Yankee Gooner needs to catch-up on…
Spain wins the World Cup against a very poor and uninspired Argentina side in the tournament’s final match. I saw the game from the top deck of a large ocean liner floating in the North Sea, surrounded by a lot of Spain supporters.
Speaking of the World Cup, congrats to Martin Odegaard for a very impressive performance. The Arsenal captain appears to have regained his form very nicely, and after some rest, he should be ready to go in top form for the coming season.
There was some bad news, too. William Saliba will miss an extended start to the 2026/2027 campaign with a back injury. No surgery is required but our world class defender will have to take some time away to properly heal before returning to the pitch this season.
Leandro Trossard is no longer a Gunner. The Belgian is now a member of Besiktas in Turkey’s top league. Personally, I would have sold Gabriel Martinelli ahead of Trossard, but then again, I don’t sign the checks.
Piero Hincapie has signed a permanent contract with the Gunners after the Ecuadorian’s terrific on-loan campaign in north London last season. This is a great move for Arsenal.
Everyone thought Morgan Rogers would be an easy deal for the Arsenal front office to maneuver, however, the Aston Villa star chose instead to sign with Chelsea. That’s too bad for Rogers. Bad decision my man.
Arsenal signed Greek midfielder/winger Chistos Tzolis from Club Brugge. The 24-year-old scored 33 goals during his 74 appearances playing for the Belgian club. Tzolis replaces the departing Trossard on the left side of the Arsenal offensive front line.
Illan Meslier has also signed this summer with the Gunners. The French goalkeeper will probably become Arsenal’s #2 once Kepa leaves the club during the transfer window. Meslier comes to north London from Leeds United.
Now on to the current headlines…
Vinicius Junior is being linked to Arsenal for a reported contract over $228-million (USD) per season. The superstar’s contract at Real Madrid has not been renewed, but reports are surfacing that Vini Junior would like consider a move to the Gunners.
Arsenal is also in hot pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. What an addition he would be to Mikel Arteta’s midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
Also, key names on the Arsenal transfer radar include defenders John Stones and Ezri Konsa, along with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
The Arsenal Women have been very busy this window signing five new players, including Georgia Stanway (midfielder), Selina Cerci (striker), Geraldine Reuteler (midfielder), Ona Batlle (defender) and Lisa Baum (forward). Gone are Katie McCabe and Beth Mead.
Now it’s time for everyone to get back to work, including me!
COYG!
Gunner1953
It was estimated that over 1.5 billion people worldwide watched the World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina on July 19th. In the United States, a record-breaking 62.8 million viewed the tournament’s final match as well.
