As Izan stepped out of the training facility, the summer heat greeted him.
He adjusted his hoodie, nodding at the security staff on his way out.
The tour had been insightful, a glimpse into the environment heâd soon be calling home. But for now, he wasnât in a rush.
There was still time before he had to report for training.
He slipped into the backseat of the waiting car, tapping his fingers idly on his knee as the driver pulled out onto the road.
And just like that, the world moved on.
âž»
BBC Football Daily
The studio lights shone brightly as the panel of pundits settled in for another segment.
Transfer season was in full swing, and clubs across Europe were making moves to bolster their squads ahead of the new campaign.
HOST: "Welcome back to Football Daily. Weâre deep into the transfer window now, and some huge moves have already gone through.
Letâs start with the biggest deal of the summerâKylian MbappĂ© to Real Madrid. Itâs been expected for years, and now itâs finally official.
PUNDIT 1: "Yeah, MbappĂ© signs on a free transfer from PSG, but Madrid are still paying a massive signing-on bonus and wages reported to be around âŹ15 million per season.
And letâs not forget Endrick, the Brazilian sensation, whoâs finally linking up with the squad."
PUNDIT 2: "That attack is ridiculous. MbappĂ©, VinĂcius Jr., Rodrygo, and now Endrick.
Throw in Jude Bellingham, and youâre looking at a team that could dominate for years."
HOST: "Letâs switch to the Premier League. Manchester City have added yet another attacking talent to their squad, signing Savinho from Girona for âŹ30 million."
PUNDIT 1: "Theyâve always got their eyes on the best emerging talents. Savinho had a brilliant season at Girona, and you can see why City moved early to get him."
HOST: "And speaking of the Premier League, letâs talk about Arsenal. Their biggest signing?
Izan Miura Hernandez. The Spanish wonderkid arrives after a record-breaking season with Valencia and a starring role in Spainâs Euro 2024 triumph."
PUNDIT 2: "And yet, he still hasnât joined up with training. We know Arsenal gave him an extended break after the Euros, but fans are eager to see him link up with the squad."
PUNDIT 1: "Theyâll be patient for him, though. Heâs that kind of generational talent.
And Arsenal havenât stopped thereâtheyâve also secured Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna and Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad to strengthen their defense and midfield."
HOST: "Big moves all around. What about Barcelona?"
PUNDIT 1: "Theyâve almost brought in Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig for âŹ50 million, a fantastic signing.
Heâs a La Masia graduate, technically superb, and will fit in perfectly with their style.
HOST: "Meanwhile, over at AtlĂ©tico Madrid, theyâve made a huge move, bringing in JuliĂĄn Ălvarez from Manchester City for âŹ95 million."
PUNDIT 2: "Great fit for Simeoneâs system. Ălvarez was never going to be a regular starter at City, but at Atleti, he can be the main man."
HOST: "Moving to Serie A, Juventus have strengthened by signing Teun Koopmeiners from Atalanta, while Bologna have sold Joshua Zirkzee to the red side of Manchester.
The Serie A side is being dismantled after their historic run to the Champions League last season. Head Coach Thiago Motta is also leaving for Juventus"
PUNDIT 1: "Yep. Thatâs what happens when the big clubs come. Anyways, Zirkzee is one to watchâgreat talent.
I donât know how but I at least know he will help this struggling Ten-Hag side"
HOST: "And finally, over in Germany, Bayern Munich finally secured JoĂŁo Palhinha from Fulham after last yearâs failed move, and they also signed Michael Olise from Crystal Palace."
PUNDIT 2: "Olise is an exciting signing. Quick, skillful, and versatileâBayern needed fresh attacking options."
HOST: "A lot of movement, and still more to come before the window closes. The new season is shaping up to be a thrilling one."
âž»
Back in London, the car rolled to a stop. Izan stepped out, the sounds of the city humming around him.
Transfers, new arrivals, shifting teamsâit was a reminder that football never stopped moving.
And soon, it would be his turn to step onto a Premier League pitch for the first time.
- - - - - - - - -
For the first time in weeks, Izan had no obligations.
No training, no cameras, no pressureâjust time. It felt almost unnatural after the whirlwind of the Euros and the madness that followed.
But as much as he wanted to keep moving, to keep playing, he also knew his body needed these two days to settle.
The first morning started slow. He woke up later than usual, stretching out the stiffness in his legs as sunlight slipped through the blinds.
His room still felt unfamiliar, like a hotel more than a home.
He hadnât even unpacked properly, his suitcase half-open in the corner, Adidas gear spilling out.
He made his way to the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water before checking his phone.
Messages had piled upâsome from family, some from friends, a few from Arsenal teammates welcoming him to the squad.
He replied to a couple but left the rest for later.
For breakfast, he kept it simpleâsome toast, eggs, and fruit. It wasnât Komiâs cooking, but it would do.
After eating, he settled onto the couch, controller in hand. Gaming was the easiest way to switch off.
He queued into a few matches of FIFA, scrolling through team selections before settling on Valencia CF.
It was strange. Playing as his old club, knowing he wasnât there anymore.
His in-game self still had a Valencia shirt on, still linked up with the teammates he had fought alongside just months ago.
He played a few matches, and scored a few goals, but eventually turned it off. It felt⊠off.
He wasnât that player anymore. The next time he played as himself, it would be in a new shirt.
By noon, he had gotten enough of sitting around.
He threw on a training kit and stepped onto the balcony for a light workout. His system didnât let him slack off completely.
It wasnât full training, but it was structuredâstretches, core work, balance exercises. Just enough to keep his body sharp without pushing too hard.
Later in the afternoon, he scrolled through the latest transfer news. Everyone was moving. Mbappé had officially been presented at Madrid.
Barcelona had finalized Olmoâs signing. Arsenalâs own additionsâCalafiori, Merinoâhad settled in well.
Even though he hadnât trained yet, his name was still in the discussions. Some were wondering why he hadnât reported yet.
Others were speculating about how heâd fit into Artetaâs system. He didnât feel the need to say anythingâheâd let football do the talking.
The second day followed a similar rhythm. Light workouts, more gaming, more scrolling through football news.
At one point, he thought about going out, maybe exploring the city, but decided against it. He still felt like an outsider here, not quite settled.
That would change once he started training, once he stepped onto the pitch with the team.
...âŠ.
Izan woke up to the soft chime of his alarm, stretching out as morning light filtered through the curtains. His body felt freshârested but ready.
The two days of stillness had served their purpose. Now, it was time to get to work.
He sat up, running a hand through his hair before reaching for his phone. Unread messages stacked up.
Some from family, others from teammates, and a few unexpected ones.
Komi: First day. Make it count, my son.
Hori: Donât embarrass me. I already told my friends youâre the best player there.
Olivia: Your first day. You better send me a pic in your Arsenal gear.
Izan smirked, shaking his head before opening the next few.
Miranda: Try not to give Arteta a heart attack by doing something outrageous on your first day.
Pedri: No way youâre a Premier League player now.
Lamine: Enjoy the rain, hermano.
And then, one from a number he hadnât saved but recognized immediately.
Baraja: Good luck
Izan exhaled slowly. It wasnât a long message, but it carried weight.
Izan typed out a simple responseâThank you, mĂsterâbefore setting the phone aside.
Time to get ready.
âž»
He moved through his usual routineâa quick shower, breakfast, and stretching to loosen up.
He pulled on the Arsenal training tracksuit, staring at himself in the mirror for a moment.
The badge on his chest was still new, still unfamiliar. But not for long.
Grabbing his boots and a small bag, he made his way outside.
A black Mercedes with tinted windows was already waitingâhis assigned driver.
The man greeted him with a nod as Izan slid into the seat.
"Training ground?"
Izan nodded. "Letâs go."
As the car pulled away, he stared out at the passing streets. London felt different. Bigger, faster, but also⊠colder.
He wasnât used to this city yet, but that didnât matter.
Football was the one thing that felt the same everywhere.
A/n: Thanks for the Golden ticket guys. Letâs try and go up further in the rankings next month but anyways, thanks for your support. Love yâall