Arsenal are now preparing their first official offer to bring a world-class superstar to the Emirates this summer, according to Sky Sports.
While Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie and brought in prolific winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, there has also been a lot of transfer disappointment.
The Gunners wanted to sign a high-profile left-sided attacker in addition to Tzolis, and they had made Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers their number one target.
A move to the Emirates for the England international had been expected to advance when the 23-year-old returned from representing his country at the 2026 World Cup, however Chelsea swooped in and agreed a £117m deal with their Premier League rivals.
Fabrizio Romano reported that the north London outfit were then making calls over a deal for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande who, at the time, looked likely to join Paris Saint-Germain after making it clear they were his preference over Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League.
Now, the 19-year-old sensation looks on the verge of joining Real Madrid instead, meaning the Gunners have once again had to explore other options.
However, Diomande's impending move to the Bernabeu could actually potentially benefit Arsenal and their transfer plans.
Sky Sports: Arsenal Prepare First Vinicius Junior Bid
Vinicius in action for BrazilReuters via Ueslei Marcelino
In recent days, Arsenal have been linked with a blockbuster move to sign Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior, as they look for an alternative left-sided option.
Now, Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, posting on X on Monday night, says that the Gunners are now preparing their first official offer to sign the Brazil international, who was described by Carlo Ancelotti as 'one of the best players in the world' during the World Cup.
It's claimed that the north Londoners are willing to submit the bid to Real, and the 26-year-old's camp have been informed of Arsenal's intentions.
However, the player and Real are still in talks over a new contract, and they have now sent a counter-offer to the attacker and his camp, as they look to reach an agreement after months of negotiations.
In 375 appearances for the La Liga giants, Vini Jr has scored 128 goals and registered a century of assists.
Arsenal to Accelerate Talks to Sign Another South American
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks on ahead of Champions League final vs Paris St Germain
According to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs, reporting for talkSPORT, Arsenal are also set to accelerate talks to sign another South American star in Bruno Guimaraes this week.
The Newcastle United captain has emerged as a key transfer target in recent weeks, although the Magpies are reluctant to lose the Brazilian given Sandro Tonali has already departed for Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
The report claims that Newcastle would be ready to reject an offer from their Premier League rivals worth £70m, but that Arsenal are ready to go north of that to land their top target.
Guimaraes is one of three South American players Arsenal are being heavily linked with right now, alongside Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid.
Any of these players would be a marquee signing and a statement of intent, as the Gunners look to retain their Premier League title and go one step further in the Champions League by winning the tournament.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!