Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the World Cup as Mikel Arteta monitors potential transfer targets
Lamine Yamal’s mum has given her verdict(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
The Arsenal hierarchy have a close eye on the World Cup as they monitor their current crop of players and potential transfer targets. The tournament gets underway on Thursday, with a record-breaking 48 nations competing for the coveted trophy.
There are 16 representatives from the red half of north London heading across the Atlantic, among them Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino. Several players that Mikel Arteta is keen to bring into his reigning Premier League-winning squad are also set to feature.
The Spaniard will be watching the United States, Canada and Mexico tournament with great interest as he looks to bolster his squad ahead of the 2026/27 season in August.
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Here, football.london brings you all the latest news emerging from the Emirates Stadium.
Lamine Yamal’s mum singles out star
Mikel Merino has been dubbed an underrated footballer(Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Lamine Yamal’s mother has highlighted Mikel Merino as her most underrated player during a conversation with her superstar son. The Barcelona youngster, who is representing Spain alongside Merino at the World Cup, spotlighted some lesser-celebrated players on his YouTube channel.
Yamal put forward Ferran Torres, Thomas Muller and Gerard Martin as his underrated picks before inviting his mother’s opinion. She responded: “Merino from Arsenal. I’m a big fan of Merino.”
Merino has proven an influential figure for both club and country, netting 10 goals in 42 caps for Spain and contributing 23 goal involvements across 78 Arsenal appearances.
Agent breaks silence on potential transfer
Julian Alvarez’s agent has spoken out(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Julian Alvarez’s representative Fernando Hidalgo has confirmed that Real Madrid have made no approach for his client. The Atlético Madrid striker has emerged as one of the most coveted players in the transfer market, with Arsenal, Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain all said to be keen.
Despite reports circulating in Spain suggesting otherwise, Hidalgo has told 365Scores that no formal offer has been tabled for Alvarez. He said: “We have no information on the matter, and no one has contacted us about it.”
Barcelona are already reported to have submitted a bid for the Argentina international, while Arsenal’s interest in Alvarez stretches back to his days at Manchester City. The striker has declined to discuss his future, though he admitted several months ago that he could not guarantee he would be at Atletico next season.
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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.