Arsenal are ready to reshape the summer transfer window with an ambitious move for Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr, while also in advanced talks to sign Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes for £80million.
The Gunners' only significant signing so far is winger Christos Tzolis, alongside Illan Meslier joining from Leeds and Piero Hincapie's loan being made permanent. Vinicius Jr, who has one year left on his Real Madrid contract, is set to decide this week whether to renew, join Arsenal, or let his contract expire.
Real Madrid issue Vinicius Jr update
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Vinicius Jr will rejoin training with the squad on Monday despite the uncertainty. The Brazilian forward remains in a contract dispute with the Spanish giants, and with under 12 months left on his deal, tension is mounting.
Arsenal are monitoring developments and stand prepared to offer Vinicius Jr an exit from the Bernabeu should negotiations break down. However, the 26-year-old does not seem ready to take extreme measures to force a departure.
Mourinho told Real Madrid's official website: "On Monday, Vini Jr, Brahim, and Bernardo will arrive. I'm concerned about not having everyone, and I would like to have three weeks of work with the others. It's not possible."
Discussions over fresh terms continue, with both sides still aiming to find common ground. Yet negotiations appear to have reached a stalemate, and should the impasse persist, Arsenal will be poised to strike.
Arteta causes a stir
Mikel Arteta has suggested Arsenal are gearing up for a hectic conclusion to the transfer window, revealing the club have "very ambitious" plans and urging supporters to "expect movements" in the weeks ahead.
The Gunners have been slow to act in the transfer market this summer, with the rest of the 'Big Six' collectively spending nearly £850m. But Arteta insists the club will not "sit still" much longer.
"We are already active and trying to improve on and evolve the team. That is clear," he said. "We expect to have movements in the next few weeks. Obviously we want to get better like anyone else and you can see the transfer market, and our opponents, what we are doing. We won't sit still and we are very ambitious with where we want to go."
Arteta then caused a stir in his press conference when he declined to comment on speculation linking Arsenal with a stunning pursuit of Vinicius Jr, instead responding with a wry smile and a simple "thank you" when quizzed about the Real Madrid forward before leaving the room.
