Arsenal news: Tzolis and Dowman shine in pre-season, while 'warrior' Guimaraes is ready to make history
Bruno Guimaraes signs for Arsenal alongside Manager Mikel Arteta and Arsenal Sporting Director Andrea Berta at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 08, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal are back in London ahead of their homecoming in the Emirates Cup against Borussia Dortmund and Como.
The Gunners endured a few setbacks during their time away, missing out on the pursuit of Vinicius Junior after he ultimately chose to renew his contract with Real Madrid, as well as losing 3-1 to Real Betis in Dublin.
However, the week ended on a more positive note, announcing the arrival of Brazil international Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United on Saturday.
The latest signing could make his first appearance as soon as later this afternoon against Borussia Dortmund, while Martin Odegaard is among the names expected to return following his post-World Cup holiday.
Here is a recap of everything you may have missed from N5 this week:
Tzolis and Dowman star, but things to learn from Betis:
By Harry Cooper-Smith
Arsenal began their pre-season last weekend with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Girona in Catalonia. Kai Havertz, new £34 million signing Christos Tzolis, Max Dowman and Gabriel Jesus fired in the goals in front of over 700 travelling Gunners fans.
It was the performances of Tzolis and Dowman in particular that caught the eye of the Arsenal fans. The Greek winger, signed from Club Brugge, cut inside from the left wing and curled a low effort home.
Dowman, on the other hand, showed flashes of his talent last season. The 16-year-old recorded a goal as well as a pinpoint assist for Havertz’s strike. Dowman incisively threaded the ball through for the German to slide past Paulo Gazzaniga, the former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper.
GIRONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 01: Max Dowman of Arsenal FC celebrates scoring his team's third goal with his teammate Christos Tzolis during the pre-season friendly match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Montilivi Stadium on August 01, 2026 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
GIRONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 01: Max Dowman of Arsenal FC celebrates scoring his team's third goal with his teammate Christos Tzolis during the pre-season friendly match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Montilivi Stadium on August 01, 2026 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
On Wednesday, Arsenal travelled to Dublin to face Real Betis in the Irish capital. However, the result wasn’t so promising on this occasion as Manuel Pellegrini’s side ran out 3-1 victors.
The Gunners were sloppy in the first half, conceding all three goals in the opening 45 minutes.
Two errors from Kepa Arrizabalaga and one from Havertz meant Betis were gifted the victory as Arsenal failed to create many chances.
Their only goal came from the much-trusted route of a set piece, when new signing Tzolis’ corner was headed home by Piero Hincapie.
Guimaraes in, more to follow?
By Olufunmilayo Olusanya
Arsenal confirmed the £75 million signing of Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes on 8 August, completing one of the summer’s biggest deals. The Brazilian joins Christos Tzolis, Illan Meslier and the permanent addition of Piero Hincapie as the club’s main additions so far.
However, several high-profile pursuits failed. Vinucius Junior decided to stay at Real Madrid after extending his contract to 2032. Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea for a huge fee after Arsenal declined to match the price. Sandro Tonali moved to Tottenham, while young talent Jeremy Monga was secured by Manchester City.
With the window still open, Arsenal continue to assess alternatives after these setbacks.
‘Warrior’ Guimaraes ready to make history:
Having tracked the 28-year-old for more than four years, Arsenal have finally landed their man in Bruno Guimaraes.
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: Bruno Guimaraes signs for Arsenal at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 08, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: Bruno Guimaraes signs for Arsenal at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 08, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
It brings an end to a long-standing pursuit that started with former sporting director Edu Gaspar’s admiration for the Brazilian, while adding a much-needed piece to an elite midfield for the Premier League champions.
The Newcastle captain, who scored 35 goals in 153 Premier League appearances, revealed that he felt the time was right for a new challenge following the World Cup.
“After playing two World Cups, I think I’m at the point of my life, I think I need a challenge like this. I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I’m in the right place to do it.
“I want to put my name in the club history. Someday, when I leave, I want players to come here and say I want to do exactly what Bruno did for the club,” Guimaraes explained.
Dortmund squad in London:
Borussia Dortmund have travelled to London without captain Emre Can or Nico Schlotterbeck, who are both still recovering from injuries.
Gregor Kobel, Julian Ryerson, Waldemar Anton and Diant Ramaj are also absent, while Jobe Bellingham is set to return to England after trading Sunderland for Dortmund just over two years ago.
Serhou Guirassy is another name to watch on the teamsheet, scoring 22 goals across all competitions for Niko Kovac’s side last season.
Full squad:
Patrick Drewes, Alexander Meyer, Ramy Bensebaini, Jobe Bellingham, Felix Nmecha, Serhou Guirassy, Maximilian Beier, Carney Chukwuemeka, Konstantinos Karetsas, Marcel Sabitzer, Fabio Silva, Joane Gadou, Daniel Svensson, Justin Lerma, Kaua Prates, Filippo Mane, Samuele Inacio, Mathis Albert, Almugera Kabar, Takato Yamamoto, Luca Regianni, Jan-Luca Riedl
Paris FC and Charlton dates announced:
By Theo Tarling
Renee Slegers’ side continued to ramp up their pre-season preparations ahead of the new Barclays Women’s Super League season which begins on September 13th, when the Gunners face newly promoted Crystal Palace.
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Chloe Kelly of Arsenal talks with Renee Slegers, Head Coach of Arsenal during the Arsenal Women Pre-Season Training Session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on July 27, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Chloe Kelly of Arsenal talks with Renee Slegers, Head Coach of Arsenal during the Arsenal Women Pre-Season Training Session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on July 27, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
This week, the club announced their two friendlies to be played at Meadow Park, first facing Paris FC on Sunday, August 23rd, before returning a few days later on Wednesday, August 26th to face another newly promoted WSL side from South London, Charlton Athletic.
In terms of transfers, the Gunners completed the majority of their incomings earlier in the window, though there were a couple of outgoings, as American fullback Jenna Nighswonger agreed a deal worth $200,000 (or £148,240), according to ESPN, to head back stateside and join NWSL side Bay FC.
Young striker Jessie Gale also continues her development by joining WSL 2 side Newcastle United on loan for the 2026/27 season.
What to look forward to this week:
Arsenal v Borussia Dortmund, Sunday August 9, 14:00 BST.
Arsenal v Como, Wednesday August 12, 19:00 BST.
Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/ GettyImages
Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/ GettyImages
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: Bruno Guimaraes signs for Arsenal at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 08, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: Bruno Guimaraes signs for Arsenal at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 08, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Lewis-Skelly has been continuing his work in midfield, having shone their during Arsenal's title winning run-in Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Lewis-Skelly has been continuing his work in midfield, having shone their during Arsenal's title winning run-in Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arteta applauding the fans in Ireland following the game (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arteta applauding the fans in Ireland following the game (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)