Arsenal are basking in the glory of a historic Premier League title, and their attention has now turned to defending it. Mikel Arteta will hope Arsenal's title-winning squad is added to this summer as the Gunners enter the upcoming Premier League season as champions. But Arteta will want to reinforce as he bids to retain their top-flight crown.
Title Triumph and Transfer Ambitions
The Gunners ended an over-two-decade league title drought last season when they saw off all challengers and lifted the trophy. An impressive run to the Champions League final accompanied this. With the monkey off their back, Arsenal will now shift focus to building a squad that can repeat the feat. They've already made Piero Hincapie's move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent and strengthened their goalkeeper department by signing former Leeds United shot-stopper Illan Meslier on a free transfer.
Defender Transfer Battle 'Won'
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are all set to sign Elijah Upson from rivals Tottenham. The 18-year-old is the son of former Premier League and England star Matthew Upson. The report suggests that Upson had offers from Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and Monaco. But the Gunners appear to have secured his services. Upson made 31 appearances for Tottenham in the Under-18 Premier League and is a versatile, front-footed central defender. He can operate as a wing-back or right-back.
Vinicius Junior Meeting
Elsewhere, there has been a major twist in the future of Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior. The winger has been tentatively linked with Arsenal, but it appears he'll be staying put in the Spanish capital. Vinicius, whose Brazil side were knocked out of the World Cup by Norway in the round of 16, will meet with Real Madrid chiefs at the end of July with a deadline set, as per Spanish outlet AS, to iron out a new deal. This report claims that immediately after Brazil's exit, the club spoke with Vinicius and agreed to a meeting. It is expected that an extension will be agreed upon with his current deal set to expire in June 2027. It is thought that his situation is no longer a concern for the Real Madrid hierarchy. At one stage, it was claimed Vinicius was unhappy at the Bernabeu and Arsenal, who are targeting a winger this summer, were linked with a spectacular move.
