While Arsenal faced Girona in a pre-season friendly on Saturday evening, the club's transfer activity continued behind the scenes, with the Gunners positioning themselves as leading contenders for several marquee signings. Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior has been the focus of attention, but Arsenal's business so far has been relatively understated.
Piero Hincapie has joined permanently for £34.5m, Illan Meslier has arrived as third-choice goalkeeper on a free transfer, and Christos Tzolis has been signed for £34m as a replacement for Leandro Trossard.
Vinicius Junior repeat
According to Football London, sporting director Andrea Berta has been tracking the 26-year-old winger's contractual situation for some time before making his approach. Arsenal are now reportedly considering a similar strategy in their pursuit of another attacker: Barcelona's Ferran Torres, who is also set to become a free agent next summer.
Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo suggests the Gunners have made initial contact regarding the Spain international. Barcelona are keen to tie Torres down to a new deal, with his current contract due to expire in June next year.
Mikel Arteta's three next signings
Arsenal are reportedly targeting three further acquisitions this summer. The Athletic reported on Saturday that Vinicius Junior tops Arteta's priority list for the forward line. Personal terms between the Brazilian and Arsenal are anticipated to be agreed should Real Madrid fail to meet his wage expectations and the attacker decides not to renew his contract.
The club are also expected to pursue a new midfielder, believed to be Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes, following an alleged agreement with the north-east club. The Athletic adds that a central defender is also on the radar to provide cover for the injured William Saliba in the coming months.
