Arsenal could soon become the winners of the transfer window if they pull off their desired plans. Pre-season is fully underway after the Gunners’ match last night against Girona, but focus is very much on the decisions taking place behind the scenes. Especially those concerning Real Madrid and Brazil superstar Vinicius Jr.
The forward has emerged as a high-profile target, with Arsenal receiving genuine encouragement that he may ditch the Bernabeu for the Emirates. He has just a year left on his contract and is currently weighing up whether to extend that deal, leave on a free in 12 months, or sign a lucrative deal in north London. At this point, Arsenal have made Piero Hincapie’s move permanent and brought in Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier, but Express Sport brings you the latest news regarding incomings…
Arsenal are understood to be targeting three additional signings this summer. Vinicius Jr represents Arteta’s primary transfer objective to bolster the attack.
An arrangement between the Brazilian and Arsenal is expected to be reached on personal terms should Real Madrid fail to meet his demands and the forward decides against renewing at the Bernabeu.
But regardless of whether Vinicius arrives or not, the north Londoners will recruit a new winger before the window closes.
Arsenal will also pursue a new midfielder, believed to be Bruno Guimaraes, following a reported £80m agreement with Newcastle. Finally, The Athletic claim that a central defender is being targeted in a bid to provide cover for the injured William Saliba in the months ahead.
The transfer speculation surrounding Vinicius Jr appeared to emerge from nowhere. However, Arsenal transfer chief Andrea Berta is believed to have monitored the 26-year-old winger’s contractual position for some time before making his move, having noted Vinicius Jr had entered the final year of his deal.
Now, Arsenal are said to be considering deploying a similar tactic in their chase for another forward, Barcelona’s Ferran Torres, who is also set to become a free agent next summer.
Spanish publication Estadio Deportivo suggests the Gunners have made enquiries about the Spain striker, who netted the winning goal in last month’s World Cup final. Barcelona wish to extend Torres’ contract, which expires in June next year.
Yet talks have failed to yield an agreement, mounting pressure on Barcelona to sell rather than risk losing the 26-year-old for nothing next summer. That, much like the Vinicius Jr scenario, works directly in Arsenal’s favour as they can propose a reduced transfer fee.
Torres can operate on either flank or centrally, with his adaptability making this prospective acquisition an attractive one.