Arsenal are reportedly 'focussed' on making a third major signing after pursuing Vinicius Junior and Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports. The Premier League champions are working on deals for Real Madrid forward Vinicius and Newcastle United midfielder Guimaraes.
Reinforcements needed to stay on top
Arsenal won their first Premier League title since 2004 last season, but manager Mikel Arteta believes reinforcements are needed to keep the Gunners on top. So far, Arteta has welcomed Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier to his squad at the Emirates Stadium, while Arsenal have activated a clause to sign Piero Hincapie on a permanent transfer.
More deals could soon be completed, with Arsenal closing in on Guimaraes and doing everything they can to lure fellow Brazilian Vinicius to north London. The Gunners have already scheduled a medical for Guimaraes after reportedly reaching an agreement with Newcastle to sign the 28-year-old.
Guimaraes bolsters midfield
Guimaraes will bolster an Arsenal midfield which also includes the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Arsenal are also hoping to take advantage of the contract uncertainty surrounding two-time Champions League winner Vinicius.
The Brazil icon is in a contract dispute with Real Madrid and therefore could be sold as he enters the final year of his deal with the La Liga giants. Arsenal's board has already approved a move for Vinicius, with Arteta reportedly contacting the player in a bid to convince him to move to the English champions.
Third target: a central defender
While Arsenal pursue Vinicius and Guimaraes, they are also 'focussed' on signing another central defender to cover for the injured William Saliba, according to The Athletic. Saliba helped France reach the semi-finals of the World Cup but aggravated a back injury in the process and will now be out for an 'extended period', Arsenal have said.
'William Saliba has returned to us from World Cup duty, where he played an integral role in France reaching the semi-finals of the competition,' the club said in a statement. 'Subsequent specialist reviews on William's return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation.
'Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme. William's rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period.
'Everyone is fully focused on supporting William to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.'
Potential targets linked
Since Saliba's injury diagnosis, Arsenal have been linked with moves for England World Cup stars John Stones and Ezri Konsa. Stones, however, has joined Inter Milan after ending his decade-long association with Manchester City, where he won six Premier League titles.
Konsa is still available to Arsenal and is believed to be interested in joining Arteta's title winners after seven seasons at Aston Villa.
