Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes is not the only Brazilian who Arsenal have their eye on this summer.
Arsenal are reportedly interested in a sensational move for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior.
If one Brazilian was not enough in Bruno Guimaraes, the Gunners appear set to launch an ambitious bid for the star of South American football. Vini Jr has entered the final year of his contract at the Bernabeu.
He is thought to be leaning against an extension, with wage demands exceeding €550,000 per week. Much has also been made of the winger’s relationship with Jose Mourinho.
Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni - then coached by Mourinho - was found guilty of abusing Vini Jr in a Champions League match last season. However, the player and manager are understood to have put aside any differences ahead of the new campaign.
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Arsenal want Vinicius Junior
But Vini Jr is still considering his options, with Arsenal ready to launch a surprise attack. Madrid will not want to lose the world-beater for nothing next summer so could be open to negotiation.
According to various reports, the asking price to strike a deal is £136million despite Vini Jr entering the final 12 months of his contract. This would eclipse the British record fee that Liverpool paid Newcastle United for Alexander Isak last year.
Bruno Guimaraes latest
Speaking to reporters following the 1-1 draw with Gateshead, Eddie Howe vowed he does not want to lose his best players - but strongly hinted Guimaraes could leave. As it stands, Arsenal are yet to make a formal offer for the Toon skipper.
“We don't want to lose our best players,” Howe said. “That's an obvious statement to make. Losing those big two is painful for us and difficult. For me, it's been another challenging summer so far. We're always trying to do our best for the football club, short and long term, and try and get the squad in its best shape.”
“I've spoken to him as I would do. Bruno, normally, is just a fantastic person. We've had some really good conversations, both before the World Cup, during the World Cup and after the World Cup. What we speak about obviously has to remain private.
“He's just a great player and a great person. Look, I don't know what's going to happen with Bruno's future. That's for other people to, one, speculate about, but also conversations that I'm not part of.”