Arsenal appear to be at the centre of the summer's most eye-catching transfer saga, with reports suggesting the Premier League champions have made significant strides towards completing a move for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, while also pushing ahead with a deal for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes.
According to multiple reports, personal terms have been outlined between Arsenal and Vinicius Junior, though a formal transfer remains some distance away. The Brazilian, who has just a year remaining on his Real Madrid contract, is reportedly entering a decisive period regarding his future, with talks over a contract renewal at the Bernabeu said to have stalled. Real Madrid's offer, believed to be worth around €20million (£17.1million) per year, was turned down by the player's camp, and a counter-proposal was subsequently rejected by the Spanish club.
Arsenal's interest is understood to have been approved at every level of the club, with suggestions that the forward could become a marquee attacking addition under Mikel Arteta as he prepares to defend the Premier League title. The north London club are also said to view their handling of image rights as more attractive to the player than that of Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are reported to have agreed a fee of roughly £80million for Guimaraes, with the Newcastle midfielder set to undergo a medical. The Brazilian is said to be keen on the move to London amid wider upheaval at Newcastle following Eddie Howe's departure.
The scale of Arsenal's spending could force the club into player sales. Christian Norgaard, who joined last season, is reportedly closing in on a switch to Everton worth around £7million, as David Moyes searches for a replacement for Idrissa Gueye. There is also talk that Manchester United hold long-standing interest in versatile Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly, with United's hierarchy said to be exploring whether the champions might be open to a sale as they look to strengthen ahead of the new campaign.
United are also continuing talks over Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall, with personal terms reportedly agreed in principle before any formal bid is lodged. Hall is said to be open to the move given the uncertainty surrounding Newcastle's direction this summer.
Elsewhere, Chelsea have been busy strengthening their squad, confirming the signing of Danny Welbeck and closing in on a deal for Jordan Henderson. The Blues are also preparing a renewed bid worth in excess of £70million for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott after an opening offer was rejected, and are reportedly set to reward Joao Pedro with a new contract following an impressive debut campaign in west London. Winger Mykhailo Mudryk, meanwhile, is free to return to action after doping charges against him were dropped, and he is set to link up with his Chelsea teammates during their tour.
Liverpool remain active in the market for a new winger following Mohamed Salah's departure on a free transfer, with the Egyptian reportedly closing in on a move to Trabzonspor despite earlier interest from Besiktas. New Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola, who has already brought in Victor Munoz from Osasuna, has stressed his desire to add further attacking reinforcements, with Bradley Barcola among those linked.
Tottenham, under Roberto De Zerbi, are reported to be targeting both Cody Gakpo and Savinho, while speculation continues over the future of captain Cristian Romero, who has been linked with a move to Inter Milan. De Zerbi has denied knowledge of any specific negotiations regarding Romero's exit.
With three weeks remaining before the new Premier League season begins, further movement across the division appears likely as clubs push to finalise their squads.
Based on reporting from London Standard (Standard Sport) and The Independent.