Arsenal continue to pursue a big-money move for Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr as they look to strengthen their attack under Mikel Arteta
Vinicius Jr looks on
Vinicius Jr is being linked with a big-money move to Arsenal (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has refused to answer whether the Gunners will sign Vinicius Junior this summer - ending his post-match press conference after being asked about the Brazilian. Arteta's Gunners are exploring a move for the Real Madrid winger this summer.
The 26-year-old is a potential option to strengthen Arsenal's left-hand side - a weak area in their attack - as they look to consolidate their status as Premier League champions.
Vinicius Jr netted 22 goals and provided 14 assists in 53 appearances for Los Blancos last season - despite the Spanish giants enduring a fallow campaign. And with talks over a new contract at the Santiago Bernabeu having reportedly stalled, it could be an excellent opportunity for the Gunners to acquire one of the game's leading attacking players.
Now, Arteta has been asked about a possible deal for the first time. Arsenal's head coach was speaking during his post-match press conference after his side beat Girona 4-1 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.
Pressed on whether fans can still expect to see more signings before the start of the season, he said: "Well, we are really active, trying to improve and evolve the team. That's clear.
"We expect to have movements in the next few weeks, obviously, because we want to get better like anybody else. And you can just see it. The transfer market and our opponents, what we are doing, we won't sit still. And we are very ambitious in what we want to do."
The Spaniard was later asked, in the final question, whether Vinicius would be joining.
"Thank you so much," the 44-year-old replied as he smirked before leaving.
Recent reports from Spanish publication Marca claim that Jose Mourinho's side have submitted a final proposal to Brazil star. It is claimed that no further salary improvements or additional rounds of negotiations are anticipated, and should he reject the offer, Madrid will look to cash in this summer.
Real's senior figures have reportedly rebuffed his demands to be placed on equal footing with their highest earner, Kylian Mbappe. Mourinho - who made his return to the Bernabeu earlier this summer - is understood to have personally informed the forward that he wants him to stay.
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