Arsenal
Arteta Condemns Two Refereeing Calls He Says Threaten Arsenal’s Title Bid
Arteta blamed refereeing errors in matches vs Newcastle and Man City that he says could cost Arsenal
Mikel Arteta publicly criticised two recent refereeing decisions he believes altered the course of Arsenal’s title challenge. The manager addressed incidents in matches against Newcastle United and Manchester City that he said occurred at “crucial moments.”
In the 74th minute at St James’ Park, Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope received only a caution after coming off his line to take down Viktor Gyökeres. The Premier League’s Match Center noted the foul was not deemed a denial of a goalscoring opportunity “due to the close proximity of a Newcastle defender, who had the possibility to claim possession of the ball.” Arteta was unequivocal. “I have to say as well in my opinion, it is a clear red card. I have watched it 10 times. If you have ever played football, it is a red card.”
That decision did not prevent Arsenal from taking three points, but it limited the visitors to a single goal and, Arteta warned, could prove decisive if the title race comes down to goal difference or goals scored.
Arteta then questioned a match at the Etihad Stadium where he believes Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov committed a last-man tackle on Kai Havertz in the 53rd minute. “It is the second time in two games because against Manchester City when Kai Havertz goes through and Khusanov’s fouling him at 1–1, the title is there. It is a red card,” the 44-year-old said. Eight minutes later Erling Haaland scored the match-winner, a result that pulled City within three points with a game in hand. City then won at Turf Moor against relegation-bound Burnley midweek to go top. Arsenal have since reclaimed first place but have again played a game more.
“So these are the margins as well,” Arteta continued. “Hopefully that is going to change. Everyone will have their opinion, I am here to give my opinion.
“I’m somebody who has been in the game for the long time. You talk to any of the players because the trajectory, where the ball is, there is no keeper there. If that had happened the other way around, it is a red card.”
He added: “I am saying the reality of the last two games at crucial moments when everything is at stake, we need everything to go our way and it hasn’t.” He later qualified his remarks: “I am not giving any excuses. I am the first one to understand. I didn’t talk about it when we lost the game. I am doing it when we won. It is a red card today. It is a red card in Manchester and the world is different. That’s it.”
Arsenal
Arsenal’s scouting focus at the 2026 World Cup
Arsenal’s summer scouting list: targets to monitor at the 2026 World Cup and their group stage tests
Arsenal arrive at the summer window determined not to rest after a season that ended in heartbreak. Mikel Arteta’s project enters its seventh year and the club will be watching the World Cup closely as they prepare for 2026/27.
Arteta values defensive versatility. That helps explain the interest in Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento. The Magpies are described as being in a selling mood as they reset under Eddie Howe. Livramento is an impressive athlete and is comfortable down both flanks. Group stage matches: Croatia (June 17), Ghana (June 23), Panama (June 27).
Speed and attacking threat from the fullback position are traits Arsenal prize. German international Nathaniel Brown has risen in prominence over the past 18 months and made his national-team debut last October. He is primarily a left-back who combines security in the build-up with genuine pace. Bayern Munich and Manchester City are also thought to be in the hunt. Group stage matches: Curaçao (June 14), Ivory Coast (June 20), Ecuador (June 25).
Maxi Araújo caught Arsenal’s eye during the Champions League quarterfinals against Sporting CP. The Uruguayan left-back likes to maraud upfield and make an impact in the final third. He is an energetic presence Marcelo Bielsa will count on in North America. Group stage matches: Saudi Arabia (June 15), Cabo Verde (June 21), Spain (June 26).
Midfield creativity and young potential are on the list. Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi has emerged as a sought-after teenage prospect. Arsenal have reportedly been rebuffed before the tournament, and his stock is likely to rise. Group stage matches: Brazil (June 23), Scotland (June 19), Haiti (June 24).
England and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is described as a priority target as Arsenal look to boost their creative options following last season’s title. Group stage matches: Croatia (June 17), Ghana (June 23), Panama (June 27).
Other names to monitor include Bradley Barcola, a PSG forward who has been part of Luis Enrique’s attacking quartet, Marcus Rashford, whose Barcelona loan situation left him potentially available, and Belgian Mika Godts, whose breakthrough with Ajax has attracted attention. Group stage matches: Bradley Barcola: Senegal (June 16), Iraq (June 22), Norway (June 26). Mika Godts: Egypt (June 15), Iran (June 21), New Zealand (June 27).
Arsenal’s recruitment will be measured but ambitious as the club looks to add players capable of taking them further in the coming season.
Arsenal
Forwards to Watch at the 2026 World Cup
Ten forwards to watch at the 2026 World Cup, judged on recent form, fitness and club contributions..
The 2026 World Cup will be defined in large part by attacking players who arrive with clear form lines and specific questions to answer. Several forwards in North America carry momentum from strong club seasons, while others bring a mix of fitness concerns and huge potential.
Bukayo Saka notched a remarkable campaign as Arsenal claimed Premier League glory, but he enters the tournament in mediocre form. The Englishman produced 18 goal involvements in 2025–26 as injuries robbed him of momentum at key junctures. The 24-year-old has blistering speed, gazelle-like agility and a wondrous left boot. If England is going to win its first World Cup for 60 years, Saka must deliver on the right wing. Three goals and an assist in Qatar four years ago is an encouraging sign.
Luis Díaz has been integral to Colombia’s hopes. The Bayern Munich winger enjoyed a remarkable debut campaign in Bavaria that ended with a domestic treble, contributing 26 goals and 19 assists across all competitions. The tenacious 29-year-old missed the last World Cup through injury, so this will be his first tournament and he will be determined to lead his nation.
Raphinha’s 2024–25 breakthrough into Ballon d’Or contention gave way to a quieter 2025–26 at Barcelona because of fitness issues. Still, 28 goal involvements in 33 matches is an impressive return. The 29-year-old returned from injury in May and, after six weeks of action, could be a useful and versatile option for Brazil as Carlo Ancelotti’s side pursue a sixth title.
Ousmane Dembélé remains one of the most flexible forwards available. He beat Raphinha to the 2025 Ballon d’Or and, despite a slight dip in output, operated effectively as a false nine during a Champions League-winning campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. Dembélé is likely to resume a right-wing role for France, where his two-footedness and clean ball striking will be valued.
Vinicius Junior emerged with credit from a difficult season for Real Madrid, producing 21 goal involvements in 2026 and two goals in pre-tournament friendlies for Brazil. Michael Olise, a Bayern Munich standout, arrived in form after a pre-tournament hat-trick against Northern Ireland and a season of 25 goals and 28 assists in Germany.
Erling Haaland carried Norway back to the World Cup with 16 goals in eight qualifying matches. The Manchester City striker’s ruthless efficiency will determine how far Norway go. Kylian Mbappé, needing four goals to match Miroslav Klose’s record, arrives having produced consecutive 43-goal campaigns for Real Madrid and will remain France’s primary attacking threat, supported by Dembélé and Olise.
Arsenal
Arsenal to Assess Saliba’s Back After World Cup as Surgery Remains an Option
Arsenal must decide Saliba’s back issue after the World Cup; surgery could delay 2026–27 start soon.
Arsenal must make a clear decision on William Saliba’s persistent back problem once the World Cup concludes, L’Équipe reports. Medical staff and those close to the centre back have flagged ongoing concerns about his long-term fitness, with the player seen grimacing during parts of team training before Monday’s game.
As it stands, and has been the case for a while now, Saliba is expected to continue to play through the injury. The club will still need a formal treatment plan after the World Cup. Arsenal could continue with a conservative management strategy, but surgery has not been ruled out and remains a possible course of action.
If the issue is aggravated during the tournament, any further damage this summer could significantly delay his participation at the start of next season. The specifics of Saliba’s current ailment remain unclear at present, and it is not yet known whether this problem is connected to the back injury that sidelined him in March 2023.
Supporters will recall that Saliba missed three months in 2023 while recovering from that earlier back injury. Many fans saw his absence that season as a factor in Arsenal’s slip in the Premier League title race. Those memories contribute to the current anxiety around the possibility that a recurring condition may require more definitive treatment.
Should Saliba undergo surgery after the World Cup, he would almost certainly not be ready for the start of the 2026–27 season, although recovery timelines can vary depending on the exact nature of the intervention. Arsenal’s title defence is due to begin on August 22, a little over a month after the World Cup final on July 19. With France listed among the pre-tournament favourites, Saliba will be hoping for a deep run, perhaps lasting until the very last day.
