Arsenal are pushing hard to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle
After a slow and somewhat disappointing first half of the summer transfer window, Arsenal are ramping up their pursuit of several key targets. Since the Gunners’ Champions League final defeat to PSG in May, Mikel Arteta has repeatedly stressed the need to add quality signings, especially in forward positions.
The Premier League champions’ underwhelming early business included announcing Piero Hincapie’s permanent move and signing third-choice goalkeeper Illan Meslier. They followed that up by replacing the recently-departed Leandro Trossard with £34million Greek winger Christos Tzolis, who grabbed a goal on his debut against Girona last Saturday.
Arsenal’s first game of the 2026/27 campaign – a Community Shield clash with Manchester City on August 16 – will soon be in view as the season draws closer. As such, sporting director Andrea Berta is expected to push hard in the coming days to bring in a defender, a midfielder and a forward – which Arsenal hope will be Vinicius Junior.
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Now, Mirror Football takes a look at two of the latest transfer stories involving the Gunners.
Second Bruno Guimaraes bid looms
Several reports claim that Newcastle United have rejected Arsenal’s first official offer for Bruno Guimaraes. The Gunners’ opening bid fell short of the £80m valuation the Magpies have placed on their captain and star midfielder.
However, Arsenal are expected to return with an improved offer for the 28-year-old, whose contract expires in June 2028. Guimaraes has emerged as Arteta’s most pressing target in recent weeks and has reportedly already agreed personal terms with the north Londoners.
The Brazilian has also made Newcastle aware of his desire to leave, with the Emirates Stadium said to be his favoured destination. It is understood that Guimaraes is not willing to force an exit, however. Arsenal had floated a £45m verbal offer at the start of the transfer window but they were immediately shut down by the Magpies.
Arteta’s private message to target
Arteta has reportedly taken charge of Arsenal’s pursuit of Vinicius by directly speaking to the Brazilian winger on the phone. The Gunners boss, according to Spanish outlet AS, has told Vinicius he will base the entire Arsenal project around the 26-year-old, should he join this summer.
It emerged last month that all key personnel at Arsenal had decided to pursue the Real Madrid forward, sanctioning the move in spite of the enormous cost of getting a deal over the line. Despite Vinicius’ contract expiring next summer, a fee of around £130m has been mooted in order to convince Los Blancos to part ways with the two-time Champions League winner.
Real Madrid remain determined to keep Vinicius but will look to sell him if he refuses to agree to a contract extension. They are reportedly unwilling to adjust their most recent contract offer to Vinicius and the club believes the decision now lies with the player.
It has previously been said that Vinicius is not in a rush to renew his deal, but new boss Jose Mourinho was prepared to step in in order to keep his star players.
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