Arsenal are monitoring the situation of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior as he enters the final year of his contract, with the club also exploring a swap deal for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez involving Viktor Gyokeres and £51.7 million.
Vinicius Junior Interest
Reports emerged over the weekend of Arsenal's concrete interest in the Brazilian, and the deal has been approved at all levels at the Emirates Stadium. Vinicius has one year left on his Real Madrid deal and has not reached a resolution over a new contract. Real Madrid are anxious not to lose him on a free transfer next summer.
No official negotiations have taken place between the clubs or with the player's representatives. Arsenal are monitoring the situation before deciding whether to submit a formal bid. If signed, Vinicius would become the club's top earner on a £400,000-a-week contract, surpassing Bukayo Saka and breaking the current wage structure.
Julian Alvarez Swap Deal
Arsenal are also targeting Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, a long-term target for manager Mikel Arteta. Spanish outlet Cadena SER claims that an offer of £51.7 million plus Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal's top scorer last season, would be seriously considered by Atletico.
However, Alvarez has a preference to join Barcelona, but Atletico are refusing to sell to a direct rival. The Argentine is Arteta's dream forward, adept at linking play and finishing. Sporting director Andrea Berta, who orchestrated Alvarez's transfer from Manchester City to Atletico, has knowledge of the situation.
Impact on Arsenal's Squad
Vinicius would start on the left wing, with Christos Tzolis and Gabriel Martinelli providing depth. On the right, Bukayo Saka is returning to fitness, with Noni Madueke and Max Dowman as options. The striker position currently sees Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, but Havertz has injury concerns.
Arsenal are already Premier League champions after a 22-year wait and have the best defence in world football, according to reports. Adding Vinicius and Alvarez would create a front three akin to the Galacticos era.
