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Arsenal transfer news## Vinicius Jr is wanted by Arsenal in this summer's transfer window but there is an alternative way to signing him which leaves the Gunners with a big decision to make
19:24, 25 Jul 2026
Arsenal are facing a huge Vinicius Jr transfer decision after starting to explore a move for the Real Madrid star. With his contract expiring next summer, Real want a fee if they are to sell and while that is likely to be vast, the Gunners could take a risk and try to sign him on a pre-contract agreement in January.
Doing the latter would almost certainly cost Arsenal less and mean no funds are transferred to Los Blancos, but it may require a more significant package to Vinicius with there also no guarantee he is available next year.
The other negative is that he would not join until the following summer with Arsenal arguably in need of a big signing ahead of the 2026/27 season. The Brazil international's contract situation is likely to help Arsenal agree a deal but it would still not come cheap.
Though the potential fee agreed may not be what Real want, huge wages, a sign-on fee and possible agent commission mean it would be a significant investment for the Premier League champions.
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However, Arteta has previously spoken about how Arsenal need to be competing for those top stars when Kylian Mbappe was on his way out of Paris Saint-Germain.
In February 2024, he said: "When there is a player of that calibre we always have to be in the conversation." Referencing interest from Real, he added: "But … it looks to be in a different way.”
Mbappe and Vinicius have been together in the Spanish capital for two seasons but a power struggle has broken out behind-the-scenes. As such, one of the two departing is a real possibility with Vinicius currently the more likely attacker to be moved on.
In north London, Arteta and Co. are looking to strengthen their frontline with Christos Tzolis arriving from Club Brugge after Leandro Trossard joined Besiktas.
Tzolis made his debut on Saturday in a pre-season friendly win over MK Dons and grabbed an assist. Reiss Nelson, Ethan Nwaneri and Ceadach O'Neill were the goal-scorers in a 3-0 victory.
The former duo could both leave Arsenal this summer with any funds raised from permanent departures likely to go on new signings.
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Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes remains their top midfield target but other options have emerged as alternatives, including Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Manu Kone of AS Roma.
A defensive signing is also possible following the injury to William Saliba with Ezri Konsa, John Stones and Como's Jacobo Ramon linked.
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