Folarin Balogun has emerged as one of the most sought-after forwards in the post-World Cup market, with Monaco receiving interest from clubs across Europe and the player reported to be keen on a fresh challenge. Any sale could become the second-highest for a U.S. player, behind only Christian Pulisic’s $73 million switch to Chelsea in 2019.

The forward’s profile suits several different needs. Arsenal represent a natural fit. Balogun came through Arsenal ’s academy but was sold without ever really getting a chance in the first team. Two goals in just 209 senior minutes was impressive but Balogun left with a sense of unfinished business with the Gunners. Arsenal spent big on Viktor Gyökeres last summer but ended the season with Kai Havertz as their starting striker, leaving many believing manager Mikel Arteta may not be entirely satisfied with the options available to him. Bringing Balogun, a homegrown talent, back to the club would be a great move for Arsenal, although whether the 24-year-old would accept such a move without a guarantee of regular starts is a different matter. He has, however, spoken glowingly about the opportunity to be closer to family on brief returns to London.

Chelsea remain a potential suitor despite a crowded forward line. João Pedro has been an excellent addition, but Liam Delap’s time at Stamford Bridge has been a massive disappointment and could be coming to an end this summer. Returning loanee Nicolas Jackson and new signing Emmanuel Emegha add to a bloated forward line. Much will depend on the opinion of new manager Xabi Alonso, who has been given significant influence in Chelsea’s transfer dealings after agreeing to replace Liam Rosenior.

Newcastle could offer minutes and resources. Last summer the Magpies spent heavily on strikers, bringing in Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa for around $164 million (£124 million), yet Eddie Howe quickly lost faith in both and is thought to be chasing another starting striker.

Juventus face turnover up front after a mixed window. Jonathan David was solid at best, Loïs Openda is available following a triggered purchase clause, and Dušan Vlahović could depart, creating room for change and a link-up with international teammate McKennie.

Finally, Borussia Dortmund’s record of developing forwards and the chance to capitalise on World Cup momentum make them an appealing option. Across these five destinations, Balogun’s next move will hinge on Monaco’s valuation and the guarantees each club can offer.

Declan Rice and William Saliba have both confirmed lingering injuries that carried from the Premier League season into the 2026 World Cup, underlining concerns about the demands on players at elite clubs.

Rice disclosed an ongoing hamstring issue after a heavy campaign with Arsenal and a quick turn to international duty in North America. “I was feeling a little bit of neural pain in my hamstring, which I was managing from after Christmas with Arsenal for a very long time,” he told ITV Sport. “Obviously, not a lot of people would have known that. It was all behind-the-scenes stuff but it was a smart decision.” Thomas Tuchel managed Rice’s minutes in England’s opener, taking the 27-year-old out of the match after 72 minutes. Rice said the substitution was prudent. “In the end, that last 20 minutes is probably where you pick up the most, and it’s where you play a 70-minute match. But that last 20 is where you really feel your body going for it. And I think it was a smart decision because the last few days I felt really, really good.” He added that he is “ready and fit, raring to go” for his country.

Saliba admitted he is not at full fitness but is playing through discomfort as France pursue another title. “I’ve had some minor niggles for several months,” Saliba said in his prematch press conference for Les Bleus’ clash with Iraq. “I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well,” he continued. Reports have suggested a potential back operation could be considered after the tournament. Saliba, 25, played at least 50 times for Arsenal for a third straight season and featured the full 90 minutes in France’s 3–1 win over Senegal.

Rice highlighted the cumulative toll: he played 63 matches last season for club and country and could add eight more if England reach the final. “It’s an obscene amount of games,” Rice said. “The schedule was crazy but what can we do about it? You can’t sit and complain. We have to just get on with it for the moments like I had in the Premier League, winning that Premier League.

“You know you’d play as many games as possible to have that feeling again and knowing that there’s a World Cup at the end of it as well. You know you’d put your body on the line to be always in to play. It’s a lot of games but we’ll get our break at the end.”

Arsenal will launch their 2026/27 Premier League title defence with a Friday night home meeting against Coventry City. That opening fixture precedes a demanding early sequence that includes away trips to Aston Villa and a home game with Chelsea shortly afterward.

Supporters will be watching the north London derby dates closely. The away fixture at Tottenham Hotspur is scheduled for early December, while the return meeting at the Emirates comes in May. Historic meetings with Manchester United are also grouped in the winter months, with encounters in December and February.

Matches against last season’s runners-up Manchester City are set for late November and late January. The fixtures list in the draft also notes a final intention to finish the campaign at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.

The published schedule arranges a number of notable dates across the season. Arsenal face Liverpool at the end of October, host Manchester City on 28 November, and travel to Manchester City on 30 January. Boxing Day sees Arsenal play Crystal Palace away on 26 December and there is a home game against Manchester United on 19 December. The north London return with Tottenham at the Emirates is on 1 May.

All kick-off times in the schedule are given in Eastern Time and British Summer Time or Greenwich Mean Time depending on the time of year. Live TV broadcasts will be chosen for select Premier League games throughout the season, and dates or kick-off times remain subject to change.

Fans planning the season can use the dates provided to map out travel and viewing plans. The schedule groups several high-intensity fixtures into the winter months, while key domestic rivals are spread across November, December, January and February, before the campaign concludes in May.