Arsenal are closing in on an £80million deal for Bruno Guimarães as Mikel Arteta continues pushing to strengthen his Premier League title-winning squad.
The latest Arsenal transfer news also includes continued interest in Vinicius Junior and a potential battle with Liverpool for Bradley Barcola.
The most advanced move concerns Guimarães.
According to The Times, Arsenal are set to pay Newcastle United £70m plus another £10m in add-ons for the Brazil international.
A medical is expected on Monday before Guimarães signs a five-year contract.
ReadArsenal reported on Sunday that the £80m midfielder is now scheduled for his medical, with the deal moving considerably closer to completion after weeks of negotiations.
Arsenal transfer news turns towards Vinicius Junior
Completing Guimarães would allow Arsenal to turn more attention towards their attack.
Vinicius remains the most ambitious possibility.
ReadArsenal reported earlier on Sunday that Mikel Arteta refused to rule out a move for the Real Madrid winger when questioned following the 4-1 friendly victory over Girona.
Arteta did not directly discuss the Brazilian but confirmed Arsenal remain “really active” and expect more movement before the window closes.
The situation has developed quickly.
David Ornstein reported on Saturday that Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has held discussions with Vinicius’ representatives, while the club’s ownership has approved the financial framework required to pursue him if he decides against renewing with Real Madrid.
However, there remains conflicting information.
Sky Sports reported earlier in the week that Madrid expect Vinicius to remain and believe an agreement can eventually be reached over a new contract.
Arsenal are therefore well positioned if circumstances change, but a deal remains some distance from completion.
Bradley Barcola remains Arsenal alternative
Barcola is another name firmly in the conversation.
The Paris Saint-Germain winger is admired at Arsenal, although Liverpool currently appear more advanced in their pursuit.
PSG’s valuation makes that an enormous potential investment.
Arsenal have already strengthened the left side by signing Christos Tzolis for £34m, and the Greece international scored during Saturday’s 4-1 win over Girona.
However, Arteta appears willing to consider another elite attacker if the right opportunity emerges.
Vinicius would represent the transformative option.
Barcola could become the more realistic alternative if negotiations with Real Madrid never develop.
Arsenal could still sanction departures
Incoming business is only one side of Andrea Berta’s work.
Christian Nørgaard is closing in on a move to Everton after struggling for regular football last season. The Times reports the deal could be worth around £7m.
Fabio Vieira’s future also remains uncertain, while Gabriel Jesus continues to face significant competition for attacking minutes.
Arsenal therefore still have decisions to make at both ends of the squad.
What has changed is the urgency.
Guimarães now appears close enough for supporters to begin considering how he fits alongside Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
Once that move is completed, attention will naturally shift towards the left wing.
Whether Arsenal can turn their interest in Vinicius into one of the biggest transfers in Premier League history remains unclear.
Their ambition, though, is no longer in doubt.
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