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Football London
Sport
Josh Holland

Arsenal at the World Cup today as Saka, Gakpo, McKennie and Simons kickstart their tournament

The World Cup is officially underway. Hosts Qatar and Ecuador kicked off the controversial tournament yesterday in Al Khor and the madness of all-day football starts today.

Today's first game is England's opening clash against Iran at 1pm. Gareth Southgate's men are favourites to progress to the last-16 in Group B and will be looking to get off to the perfect start against FIFA's 20th-ranked team. The second game of Group A between Senegal and the Netherlands takes place at 4pm before Rob Page's Wales tackle USA at 7pm.

Monday is the first day of a jam-packed football schedule coming up. From tomorrow, there will be four games each day for the next 11 days as we progress through the group stages of the tournament before the round of 16 kicks off on Saturday December 3.

READ MORE: Full list of Arsenal players going to Qatar 2022 World Cup including Fabio Vieira decision

With plenty of eyes set to be on England's game against Iran, there are plenty of players of interest to Arsenal supporters in action today. football.london brings you the Gunners in action today and the players that have been linked with a move to north London.

Three Three Lions

First up is Arsenal's England trio. Bukayo Saka, Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White were all named in Southgate's 26-man squad after their eye-catching performances for Mikel Arteta's side in the Premier League.

How the Three Lions should line-up for today's game has been one of the most-talked about subjects over the past week and it remains unclear whether the trio will start. With Jordan Pickford set to continue as number one and Kieran Trippier impressing at right-back with Newcastle, it's likely that Ramsdale and White will start on the bench. But for Saka, the 22-year-old has a good chance in starting in Southgate's attack.

Matt Turner

Possibly England's toughest opponents, USA kick-off their campaign with a difficult clash against Wales in the Al-Rayyan Stadium and Gunners shot-stopper Matt Turner is expected to start in goal. The 28-year-old will participate in his first major tournament for his nation after keeping four clean sheets in qualification.

Arsenal's second choice goalkeeper has only made four appearances since arriving from New England in the summer. Eyes will be on Turner and the US to keep Gareth Bale quiet in Group B as they aim to better their previous two round of 16 finishes in South Africa and Brazil.

Cody Gakpo

The PSV forward is currently one of Europe's hottest prospects and has continued to be linked with a move to the Premier League after failing to secure a move to Leeds United in the summer. Gakpo has contributed to 30 goals - 13 goals and 17 assists - this season in the Netherlands and is almost certain to be linked with a move after the World Cup.

After it was reported that Mykhaylo Murdryk's price had risen to £65 million, Edu could be tempted to go in for Gakpo should he impress in the Middle east with Louis van Gaal's side.

Xavi Simons

In a completely different situation to teammate Gakpo, Xavi Simons has emerged as a target for Europe's biggest clubs after adapting to life in the Netherlands rather well. The former Barcelona and PSG man has scored 10 goals in 22 appearances for Lampen and earned a spot in Van Gaal's squad despite yet appearing for his nation.

Liverpool and AC Milan have been said to rival Arsenal for his signature. The 19-year-old impressed the Gunners in his two Europa League outings this season and will be hoping to attract further interest with his outings in Qatar.

Noa Lang

The final Dutch player who Gunners supporters will be keen to get a view of is Club Brugge forward Noa Lang. The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to the Emirates in the past and has since admitted his desire to leave the Belgian champions.

Lang hasn't hit the numbers that would attract Edu in a January move, with only four goals scored all season. However, with another winger seeming to be required ahead of the second half of the season, Lang is valued at £15m by transfermarkt and could be seen as a steal for the Gunners.

Weston McKennie

Alongside adding bodies in Arteta's wide areas, the Gunners are understood to be keen on a new central midfielder in the January transfer window. Juventus' Weston McKennie has been one name linked and reports last month suggested the club sent scouts to watch the American in action in Serie A.

Juventus are said to be open to letting McKennie leave, but for the right price. It's thought a fee in the region of £26 million would be enough. But after struggling to nail a consistent place in Juventus' side, the World Cup offers McKennie the chance to earn a ticket out of Turin ahead of the January window.

Yunus Musah

Former Hale End academy player Musah has previously hinted at a possible return to Arsenal after forcing himself into Valencia's team. The teenager was named in Gregg Berhalter's 26-man squad and the tournament, like for many players, provides a stage for him to present himself to clubs over a big-money move.

It's believed Musah has a €100million (£87million) release clause attached to his current deal at the Mestalla Stadium, but it's unclear how much would tempt Valencia due to their previous financial struggles.

READ NEXT:

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Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

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