Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso bring their lifelong friendship from San Sebastian to the London derby as the Gunners look to defend their crown against a rebuilding Blues squad.
The USMNT striker rejected a $52 million move after the Premier League side raised concerns during his medical, leaving both clubs scrambling after deadline day
The Gunners blocked a purchase option and secured an unconditional January recall clause as the 19-year-old midfielder heads to the Bundesliga for playing time.
Leaving Monaco for Everton offers Folarin Balogun elite weekly competition to match his USMNT World Cup rise, provided he wins the starting job over Thierno Barry.
Arsenal hold the top spot while Manchester City surge behind Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland, and Xabi Alonso's Chelsea navigate defensive growing pains.
Xabi Alonso built his reputation on dominant possession, but early signs at Stamford Bridge suggest a willingness to adapt his system to fit the Premier League's frantic pace.
Once completed, the Gunners would be set to receive a club-record fee of up to $76.8 million for the 25-year-old winger, who was told he faced a reduced role this season
UEFA regulations now ban identical fixtures with the same home team three years in a row, also preventing Arsenal from visiting Inter at the San Siro for a third straight campaign
Al-Hilal is prepared to pay Gabriel Martinelli over $23 million per year, with the Saudi club and Arsenal close to bridging a minor valuation gap to finalize the transfer
With Pep Guardiola gone and nine new managers entering the dugout, can Arsenal capitalize on a changing landscape to secure back-to-back Premier League titles?
