Overview
- Spain opened World Cup qualifying with a 3-0 win over Bulgaria as Martin Zubimendi assisted the opener and Mikel Merino headed the third, with Merino logging 62 touches and 92% passing.
- Spanish outlet Eldesmarque rated both midfielders 8/10 and noted Merino’s effectiveness in a slightly deeper role alongside Zubimendi, reinforcing an alternative midfield configuration for Arsenal.
- Arsenal’s internationals were busy elsewhere, with Leandro Trossard coming on in Belgium’s 6-0 win over Liechtenstein, David Raya on Spain’s bench, Gabriel playing 90 minutes in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Chile, and Piero Hincapié completing Ecuador’s 0-0 draw with Paraguay.
- Turkish reports claim Besiktas have lodged a €22m bid for Trossard, a story treated cautiously given the lack of confirmation and Arsenal’s depth concerns as Turkey’s window remains open longer.
- In the latest fixtures, Viktor Gyokeres registered an assist in Sweden’s 2-2 draw with Slovenia, and Italian reports praised Riccardo Calafiori after Italy’s 5-0 win over Estonia.