Arsenal must complete several world-class signings before the transfer window closes to match Mikel Arteta's ambitious demands, according to a report. After the Gunners' Champions League final penalty shootout defeat to PSG in May, Arteta made clear what he expects.
"If you want to reach another level, we're going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it demands to be very, very ambitious, very fast and very smart," Arteta said.
So far, the Premier League champions have not lived up to those words. Under sporting director Andrea Berta, only two new arrivals have been announced this summer: Piero Hincapie's loan made permanent, Illan Meslier on a free transfer, and Greek winger Christos Tzolis for £34m from Club Brugge. That compares to six signings in July last year. The club also lost Jeremy Monga and Morgan Rogers to rival Premier League clubs.
£80m Bruno Guimaraes Deal
Arsenal are engaged in third-party negotiations with Newcastle over a deal for primary target Bruno Guimaraes. They have been told a fee of around £80m is required, or the deal will collapse. Despite reports of a £70m bid, no direct club-to-club talks have occurred. Intermediaries, including super agent Kia Joorabchian, have been involved. Arsenal should pay the £80m to reinforce midfield, especially given Declan Rice's recent injury concerns.
Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez
Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez is a long-standing target. Arteta is an admirer. Alvarez prefers Barcelona, but Atletico's firm stance against selling to a La Liga rival gives Arsenal a chance. The striker represents a step up from Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres, with the latter potentially part of a player-plus-£51.7m package. The crucial question is whether Alvarez would rather remain in Madrid or return to England.
Vinicius Junior's contract uncertainty at Real Madrid has fuelled reports of an Arsenal approach. Senior figures at the Emirates are prepared to bring him, despite the enormous expense. No formal discussions have taken place. Reports from Spain value the Brazilian at £137m, with his deal expiring next summer.
£26m Defender Signed
The Gunners lack defensive cover. Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White have shown injury susceptibility. William Saliba could be sidelined for up to five months with a back injury. A right-sided defender is vital. Ezri Konsa is a target, but Aston Villa's asking price is around £60m. If that fails, long-term target Ivan Fresneda of Sporting CP is available for around £26m. The 21-year-old would slot in at right-back, allowing Timber, White and Cristhian Mosquera to cover Saliba's absence.
Player Departures Sanctioned
Arsenal need to improve their record as sellers. Fabio Vieira, Gabriel Jesus, Reiss Nelson and Christian Norgaard should be sold to free up wages. Meslier's arrival suggests Tommy Setford could be loaned out. Ethan Nwaneri would also benefit from a loan, but only to a settled club after his disastrous Marseille stint.
