MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 22: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates after scores the third goal of his team during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 22, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Bruno Penas/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Vinicius Junior has emerged as a serious Arsenal transfer target(Image: Bruno Penas/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Arsenal ended an arduous 22-year wait for Premier League glory last term by winning the title under Mikel Arteta — and now they are hungry for continued domestic dominance.
The Gunners will be out to retain the title this year but know they cannot afford to stand still as their rivals strengthen across the board. Manchester City and Liverpool both have new managers who will want to make a strong impression, while Chelsea have already made some serious moves in the market.
Arsenal have made three signings so far (Christos Tzolis, Illan Meslier and Piero Hincapie on a permanent) but are expected to push through far bigger deals before the transfer deadline.
Tzolis has already been signed from Club Brugge to replace the popular Leandro Trossard. As impressive as the Greece international's output was last season, he alone does not improve Arsenal's attack. That means they simply have to sign another left forward if they are to progress further this year — even if it means having to budge from their valuation of targets.
As it transpired with Rogers, a move for Guimaraes will all come down to price; Newcastle will want a monster fee to sanction an exit and Arsenal will not want to pay what they deem silly money for a player who, although top-class, will turn 29 later this year. Suggestions last week were that Arsenal were ready to bid £70m for him. Subsequently, it was claimed Newcastle would reject that out of hand.
Bruno Guimaraes celebrates
Arsenal's pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes is in danger of becoming a saga(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Julian Alvarez
Arsenal are also avid admirers of Julian Alvarez(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
View 3 Images
During his final season at Manchester City, Alvarez accumulated 21 goal contributions (11 goals, 10 assists) and is proven at Premier League level. A return to England may be unlikely, though, given Barcelona is thought to be the Argentina star's preferred destination.