Arsenal's transfer window is set to move into overdrive as Bruno Guimaraes prepares to undergo a medical with the club, according to reports, in what would be a significant coup for Mikel Arteta's side. The Newcastle midfielder is reportedly returning to St. James' Park to formally hand in a transfer request before the move is finalised, clearing the path for a switch to the Emirates.
Arsenal are also exploring a deal for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr, with suggestions that stalled contract negotiations in Spain had opened a window of opportunity for the north London club. However, the picture has since become murkier after the Brazilian returned to training with Real Madrid amid ongoing discussions over a new deal. Reports indicate that both Vinicius and the Spanish giants remain confident an agreement can be reached, with Real showing no appetite to sell their star forward. Arsenal are still said to be prepared to spend big for the winger, meaning the saga could yet have twists ahead.
Funding two deals in the region of £100m each would likely require Arsenal to sell players to balance the books. Christian Norgaard appears close to leaving the club after just one season, with Everton emerging as his likely destination. There is also interest from Manchester United in defender Myles Lewis-Skelly, with new boss Michael Carrick reportedly exploring the option as part of his efforts to strengthen his backline.
United's priority in that area remains a left-back, and Newcastle's Lewis Hall has been mentioned as another target, though prising him away from St. James' Park could prove difficult given the Magpies have already lost Sandro Tonali and are on the verge of losing Guimaraes this summer.
Elsewhere in the market, Chelsea confirmed the signing of Danny Welbeck, with Jordan Henderson expected to follow shortly. Mohamed Salah, who departed Liverpool as a free agent, is reported to have found a new club. The Athletic also suggested Chelsea could hand Joao Pedro a new and improved contract despite the Brazilian forward already being signed until 2032.
Newcastle confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga for a fee of £25.7m, with the Czech international putting pen to paper on a five-year deal after the club triggered his release clause. The 24-year-old is expected to become first-choice between the posts, casting doubt over Nick Pope's future at the club. Speaking about his move, Hornicek said: "The last few days have been an emotional rollercoaster from when I first heard about the move and now I'm so happy to be here. It's a brilliant opportunity in a new league, which I'm very excited about. From the very first moment I arrived here, I received a fantastic welcome and really felt the warmth of the club... I know Newcastle is a huge football city, with 52,000 fans at St. James' Park creating an incredible atmosphere and pushing the team every game. I can't wait to play in front of them."
At Tottenham, head coach Roberto De Zerbi admitted uncertainty over Richarlison's future, saying: "I don't know because I like him as a player and as a guy. He's unbelievable in terms of attitude and behaviour. But, in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do... I didn't understand well because sometimes he says he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave. We have to speak anyway. There is not any problem. He's a lovely guy."
At Manchester City, defender Josko Gvardiol praised new head coach Enzo Maresca, describing him as the "perfect" appointment to lead the club forward, while acknowledging it would take time for the squad to adapt to a new tactical approach.
Meanwhile, former Manchester United striker Louis Saha suggested it may be time for Harry Maguire to consider a fresh challenge away from Old Trafford, while praising the defender's resilience and leadership over the years. Saha also stressed United's need for more defensive stability.
In governance news, the Football Association of Wales became the first national association to withdraw its support for Gianni Infantino's re-election bid as FIFA president, following criticism of his handling of a proposed sale of World Cup investment stakes.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed after his side's 4-1 pre-season win over Girona that further transfer activity is expected in the coming weeks, saying: "We expect to have movements in the next few weeks, obviously... We won't sit still and we are very ambitious with what we are doing."
Based on reporting from The Independent.