Arsenal are continuing to work on a deal for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez while also pursuing Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, according to reports.
The Argentina international was one of Mikel Arteta's main targets when the window opened. Last month, reports suggested the Gunners were weighing up a player-plus-cash offer that would see Viktor Gyokeres move to the Spanish club alongside a transfer fee. That speculation quietened as attention turned to Vinicius, yet the prospect of signing both remains. If the double deal comes off, Arsenal would surely be installed as favourites to defend their Premier League title.
Front three in mind
According to The Independent, Arsenal are still pursuing Alvarez and feel optimistic about their chances of landing Vinicius. Should they succeed, Arteta's front three would line up with Vinicius, Alvarez and Bukayo Saka, with Eberechi Eze or Martin Odegaard operating behind the striker.
The squad would also have strong cover on the flanks. New signing Christos Tzolis could deputise for Vinicius on the left, while Noni Madueke would likely share right-wing duties with Saka as he did last year. That would give Arsenal one of the most dangerous forward lines in the world.
Arteta setting the standard
Arteta has made clear he wants more top-level players to keep competing on four fronts. He said: "We have identified where we have opportunities to grow and to improve and to evolve our game and what is going to be needed to achieve that. Hopefully, very soon, we can start to put things in a very concrete way."
Looking back on a season that brought the Premier League title and appearances in the Champions League and Carabao Cup finals, he added: "This has to be the start and this has to be the standard. Excellence has to be our standard and this has to drive to attack the future."
Guimaraes closing in
Arsenal may also be close to securing Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with the possibility that his future is resolved in the coming week.
