In an effort to defend the Premier League title and finally win the Champions League, Arsenal have set their sights on Vinicius Jr and Bruno Guimaraes this summer.
Vinicius Junior of Brazil celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-1 with Bruno Guimaraes of Brazil during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Vinicius Jr and Bruno Guimaraes continue to be linked with Arsenal(Image: Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Arsenal’s hopes of signing Vinicius Junior are on the rise.
The Gunners have been emboldened in the last week, with the situation with Real Madrid still unresolved. football.london broke the news on Friday that momentum and sentiment were shifting, and Arsenal’s chances of signing one of the world’s best players had improved.
There is alignment throughout the club when it comes to sorting a move for Vini Jr. The club believe the potential financial outlay will be worth it on many levels, both competitively and commercially.
For the player himself, a move would represent major financial benefits plus an improvement in his image rights shares, which are believed to currently be around 50-50 with Real Madrid, where Kylian Mbappe’s are not and instead lean much more heavily in the player’s favour.
The following days will be critical for all three parties and football.london understands that while the club have greater optimism, the decision ultimately lies with the player.
Should he choose not to renew his deal, the Gunners are in a very strong position to pounce and sign the 26-year-old.
However, there are two other realities which could play out: he either decides still to renew and finds a compromise with Real Madrid, or looks to play out the final year of his deal and leave on a free transfer next summer.
Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder #08 Martin Odegaard (L) vies with Newcastle United's Brazilian midfielder #39 Bruno Guimaraes during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 25, 2026
Arsenal believe they are close to signing Guimaraes(Image: AFP or licensors)
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Bruno Guimaraes’ proposed move to Arsenal is equally at a key juncture. The player was expected to return to his Newcastle teammates on Friday, as confirmed by the now departed Eddie Howe and teammate Harvey Barnes in multiple interviews.
He is now expected back on Sunday after a delay in his return. Newcastle sources continue to deny Arsenal making direct contact, but football.london understands talks through intermediaries are close to finding the sweet spot that will enable Arsenal to submit an offer they expect will be accepted in the £80million region, inclusive of add-ons.
The signings of Guimaraes and Vini Jr will transform the aims of the club who while are Premier League champions have ambitions to become multiple title winners and also win their first ever UEFA Champions League.
Mikel Arteta will have even higher expectations on his shoulders should this deal go through.