Here is your Arsenal morning digest for Thursday, August 27.
William Saliba's defensive blueprint
William Saliba made his long-awaited Arsenal debut in Tuesday's pre-season friendly victory against MK Dons and his performance has shown Mikel Arteta that he fits the club's defensive blueprint.
Arsenal have always insisted they are playing the long game with Saliba, that there are no guarantees he will be an immediate starter having returned from his season on loan at Saint-Etienne, that this was a signing for the six years after he joined up not six months.
However, as James Benge writes, the early signs are extremely promising and Arsenal may be getting the defender that they've craved for so long.
In his performance against MK Dons, he caught the eye and he will have another chance to prove his worth in this weekend's Community Shield clash with Liverpool.
How Arsenal could fund Aouar swoop
Arsenal may not be as financial powerful as some of their Premier League rivals and they may have to keep an eye on the numbers more than others but that doesn't mean they are eyeing cheaper targets.
That has been shown by the push for Lyon's Houssem Aouar, with Edu reportedly leading the charge by offering Matteo Guendouzi as a part exchange.
The Frenchman is one of three players we've highlighted for a potential sale to raise funds, along with Lucas Torreira and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
The latter was on loan with Roma last season, while Torreira himself has also been touted for a return to Italian football.
Fulham pushing for Smith Rowe
Newly-promoted Fulham are looking for a trio of Premier League additions ahead of the new season and Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is among them.
The Daily Star states Smith Rowe has been identified as a prime target to bolster Scott Parker's side after his impressive performances on loan with Huddersfield Town last season.
Monaco have already expressed an interest in signing the England youth international on a permanent basis but their advances were swiftly rejected by the Gunners.
