Mikel Arteta declined to comment on Arsenal's pursuit of Vinicius Junior and brought his post-match press conference to a sudden end after being asked whether the Real Madrid forward would be arriving. The moment came following Arsenal's 4-1 pre-season friendly victory over Girona on Saturday evening.
Arsenal are understood to be weighing up a move for the 26-year-old Brazil international, who is viewed as a prime candidate to strengthen the left flank — an area widely regarded as a vulnerability in the attack. The Gunners are looking to cement their position as Premier League champions.
Arteta's response
When asked if supporters could expect further additions to the squad before the new season gets under way, Arteta said: "Well, we are really active, trying to improve and evolve the team. That's clear." He added: "We expect to have movements in the next few weeks, obviously, because we want to get better like anybody else. And you can just see it."
"The transfer market and our opponents, what we are doing, we won't sit still. And we are very ambitious in what we want to do," the Arsenal manager continued. He was then posed the final question — whether Vinicius Junior would be arriving. "Thank you so much," the 44-year-old responded with a smirk before leaving.
Vinicius Junior's season and contract
Vinicius Junior netted 22 goals and provided 14 assists in 53 appearances for Real Madrid last season, despite the Spanish giants enduring a disappointing campaign. With negotiations over a contract extension at the Santiago Bernabeu reportedly having hit a wall, it could represent a golden opportunity for Arsenal to land one of football's most electrifying attacking talents.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Jose Mourinho's outfit have tabled a final offer to the Brazil international. It is understood that no further salary enhancements or additional rounds of talks are expected, and should he turn down the proposal, Real Madrid will seek to cash in this summer.
Real Madrid's stance
Real's hierarchy have reportedly knocked back his demands to be placed on a par with their top earner, Kylian Mbappe. Mourinho, who returned to the Bernabeu earlier this summer, is believed to have personally told the winger that he wants him to remain.
However, the coming days will prove crucial, and football.london understands that while Arsenal have growing confidence, the final call rests with Vinicius Junior.
Decision ahead
Real may also need to generate funds, as reports indicate they are eyeing a £102m swoop for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. Arsenal also made an enquiry for the Ivorian, but should Real complete the signing, it could heighten the possibility of Vinicius Junior making his way to the English champions before the summer is out.
