Arsenal are working to complete a striking double swoop this summer, chasing both Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes and Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr as Mikel Arteta looks to fortify his squad following last season's title triumph.
The Gunners' opening offer for Guimaraes was turned down by Newcastle, though the two Premier League clubs remain in dialogue as they attempt to close the gap in valuation. The Brazilian midfielder has been a key figure for the Magpies since arriving from Lyon in a £40million deal in January 2022, contributing 31 goals in 195 appearances. Despite the rejected bid, ESPN Brazil journalist Bruno Andrade suggested the transfer had effectively been agreed over the weekend, with Newcastle reportedly unhappy that word of the arrangement emerged before they were ready to confirm his exit and unveil a successor.
Former Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele backed the move, telling ComeOn that Guimaraes' ambitions align naturally with Arsenal's trajectory. "Bruno Guimaraes is ambitious player sees his career one way: Champions League football, always, and teams built to win titles in Europe," Makelele said. "Arsenal tick every box. They won the Premier League, they've gone deep in the Champions League, and they're built to go again... Bruno Guimaraes is a very good player, exceptional, as we saw with Brazil. It's his career and his decision, but his game fits Arsenal perfectly."
On the Vinicius Jr front, Arsenal appear to have gained momentum after his contract negotiations with Real Madrid stalled. The Brazilian has resumed talks with Los Blancos following his World Cup commitments, but reports indicate he is still pushing for improved terms on the club's initial proposal, leaving a door open for the Gunners to potentially agree a club-record contract with the forward.
To help fund what would be two deals likely costing close to or above £100million combined, Arsenal may need to raise funds through departures. Christian Norgaard looks set to leave the Emirates after just one season, with Everton emerging as his likely destination, while academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly has attracted interest from Manchester United, who are exploring several defensive options including Newcastle's Lewis Hall and Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas amid competition from Barcelona.
Meanwhile, new Arsenal signing Christos Tzolis, who joined from Club Brugge for £34million, has made clear he intends to fight for his place on the left wing regardless of the club's interest in Vinicius Jr. The Greece international scored on his debut in a 4-1 win over Girona after also setting up a goal in a behind-closed-doors victory over MK Dons, and struck a confident tone about Arsenal's title defense. "Of course. To defend a title, you don't have to think about it. It's more difficult for the other teams because the pressure is there, not on the team who won the title," Tzolis said.
Elsewhere in the market, Liverpool have entered talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a move for winger Bradley Barcola after an initial £100million bid was rejected, with the France international reportedly having decided against extending his PSG contract. Manager Andoni Iraola has been open about his need for reinforcements out wide following Mohamed Salah's departure. Tottenham, meanwhile, are said to be considering a shift toward Cody Gakpo and remain linked with Victor Osimhen and Savinho.
Fulham have been busy too, completing the signings of Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios from Real Madrid in a combined deal worth £42.5million, reuniting both players with new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. "I'm very grateful, very happy to be here," Garcia said. "I have to thank the board and Arbeloa for the trust they've put in me, and I'm very, very excited to start."
At Chelsea, veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson has joined on a free transfer after his Brentford contract was mutually terminated, becoming Xabi Alonso's eighth first-team addition of the summer. Speculation over a move for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was dismissed by Makelele, who does not see the Italian club sanctioning his departure.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport and The Independent.