The summer transfer window is stepping up another gear, with Arsenal close to completing a deal for Bruno Guimaraes and holding fresh hope over Vinicius Junior. Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham are also working on major moves.
Arsenal close in on Bruno Guimaraes
Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes in a deal worth up to £80 million, according to ESPN Brazil. The Premier League champions will pay an initial £70 million, with a further £10 million in performance-related add-ons. The report claims the 28-year-old will sign his contract “this weekend” after arriving in London for a medical, with the Gunners having reportedly agreed a fee worth around £80 million for the Newcastle captain. Newcastle, however, insist there is no agreement yet.
Guimaraes is also said to be the subject of a transfer that an insider account, “Hand of Arsenal,” described as being in the “end game,” suggesting it could be completed shortly after Christian Norgaard’s sale to Everton.
Vinicius Junior hope for Arsenal
Arsenal have fresh hope over a club-record deal for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior. The Brazil international is said to have agreed personal terms with the Gunners, though he remains in talks with Real Madrid over an extension at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Standard Sport understands Arsenal are monitoring Vinicius’ situation and would be interested in signing him if he becomes available, with conditions for a deal being explored. The Athletic reports the situation will become clearer in the coming days, with Vinicius entering the final 12 months of his contract.
Arsenal supporters were sent into a transfer frenzy after Mikel Arteta’s reaction to a question about Vinicius following the 4-0 pre-season win over Girona on Saturday evening. Reporter Isaan Khan jokingly asked when Vinicius would be joining, and Arteta responded with a smirk. Goals came from Kai Havertz, Christos Tzolis, Max Dowman and Gabriel Jesus.
Some fans on social media are adamant that Arteta has channelled his inner Arsene Wenger, although the response did not confirm a deal.
Manchester United explore Lewis Hall move
Manchester United are assessing a potential move for Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall, with the club having reportedly agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old before an expected bid is submitted. Hall is viewed as a long-term successor to Luke Shaw, whose contract expires next year.
United have started exploring the likely cost of a deal, according to Sky Sports, although Hall is expected to command a significant fee and Newcastle have no intention of selling. With three years remaining on his contract, Hall remains under strong control at St James’ Park. United are also weighing reinforcements in midfield and attack, while Shaw is currently their only senior left-back following Tyrell Malacia’s exit. Nottingham Forest striker Igor Thiago has also been linked amid uncertainty over Marcus Rashford.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham latest
Chelsea are wrapping up deals for Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, and have submitted a new bid for Pep Chavarria. Alex Scott is the dream signing for the rest of the window, with a fresh bid worth £70 million suggested.
Liverpool want Bradley Barcola to replace Mohamed Salah, with a first bid imminent. Tottenham could help them out by taking Cody Gakpo off their hands, while Roberto De Zerbi also wants Savinho. Cristian Romero’s future is set to involve an exit.
Arteta expects imminent Arsenal activity
Mikel Arteta has said he is expecting activity in the transfer market imminently, with Arsenal closing in on a double deal. To date, their only incomings are Illan Mesiler on a free transfer and Christos Tzolis for around £34 million from Club Brugge. Piero Hincapie’s loan move from Bayer Leverkusen has also been made permanent, but the Premier League champions are expected to be busy between now and transfer Deadline Day at the beginning of September.
One player being heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium is Bruno Guimaraes, with some reports suggesting a medical has been scheduled for as early as Monday.
Other transfer news and rumours
Bournemouth are in advanced talks to sign Sevilla’s Juanlu, according to Fabrizio Romano, having already bolstered their defence with Antonio Silva.
Following a convincing 4-0 win over SC Verl on Saturday, head coach Martin Demichelis was quizzed by Sky Germany about Diomande’s whereabouts after the Ivory Coast international missed the friendly. “I know it's a big topic. Yan is genuinely ill,” Demichelis told reporters. “We'll see. I haven't spoken with the doctor yet. If he's healthy, he has to come with us. If he's ill, then he's ill.”
David Gold’s daughter Vanessa has confirmed the family will sell their shares in West Ham to a consortium fronted by former Newcastle chief Amanda Staveley. Danny Welbeck has also said his goodbyes to Brighton after his transfer to Chelsea was confirmed.
