Arsenal’s pursuit for Thomas Lemar and Alexis’ sickness dominated news, coupled with a potential £126m loss for the Gunners. Arsenal also picked up a piece of silverware.
Thomas Lemar has been the subject of three bids from Arsenal this summer, but Monaco continue to knock back their interest. [Telegraph]
Those reports completely contrast claims made by Emanuele Giulianelli that the Lemar deal is done. The Italian journalist, whose credibility is dubious, said this on Twitter:
To all the Arsenal supporters asking me about Lemar I can answer: don't worry, he will join the Gunners.
— Emanuele Giulianelli (@EmaGiulianelli) July 28, 2017
Arsene Wenger spoke out about Alexis Sanchez’ “sickness”, making a U-turn on his return date for Arsenal and completely absolving the Chilean international despite the questionable Instagram post. [Football.London]
Arsenal have reportedly sent club doctors to Alexis’ house to confirm he has the flu. It’s a messy situation that is threatening to spiral out of control. [Mirror]
Arsenal’s failure to tie down Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil could cost the club £126m in missed value. Arsene Wenger bizarrely said having players with only 12 months left is “ideal” as they should work hard for a new contract. [The Sun]
Promising midfielder Joe Willock struggled in Sunday’s defeat to Sevilla and was heavily criticised by supporters. Arsenal fans suggested the 17-year-old be loaned out in 2017/18 to play a higher standard than reserve football. [Football Fancast]
Arsene Wenger was full of praise for new-boy Sead Kolasinac for his performance in Saturday’s 5-2 thrashing of Benfica. “I think he has gone in pre-season from strength to strength,” said the Arsenal manager. [Metro]
Rumours of Lucas Perez’s shirt being given away without his consultation was neither confirmed or denied by Wenger, who said: “Well look, we sort that out internally.” The Spaniard is likely to feature if he isn’t sold, although he’s currently out injured. [Arsenal]
Francis Coquelin will miss Arsenal’s Community Shield clash with Chelsea after picking up an ankle ligament injury. “He has a scan tomorrow and I don’t think he will be available for the weekend,” said Wenger. [Metro]
Arsenal’s club record signing Alexandre Lacazette scored his first home goal for the Gunners, his second this summer, as the Londoners lifted the Emirates Cup. Per Mertesacker looked too embarrass to celebrate. [Daily Mail]