Arsenal news today: Vinicius blow and Martinelli transfer twist
Arsenal news today centres on major movement in Mikel Arteta’s attacking plans, with Vinicius Junior committing his future to Real Madrid and Gabriel Martinelli attracting fresh interest from Galatasaray. Arsenal are also moving towards completing their £75million deal for Bruno Guimaraes.
It leaves Andrea Berta with important work still to do before the transfer window closes, particularly on the left side of Arteta’s attack.
🚨 Mikel Arteta has been trying to strengthen Arsenal’s left flank & this summer, they have explored a deal for Bradley Barcola – valued at £128m – with Liverpool also interested. Arsenal are also searching for a centre-back & potentially a forward, with Julian Alvarez the main… pic.twitter.com/xndBDADIRR
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 6, 2026
Arsenal’s ambitious pursuit of Vinicius is over after the Brazil international signed a new Real Madrid contract running until June 2032.
Reuters reports that the agreement ends months of uncertainty surrounding the 26-year-old, who had attracted serious interest from Arsenal while negotiations with Madrid stalled. Read the Reuters report on Vinicius’ new contract
The development comes only hours after ReadArsenal reported that Arsenal feared their pursuit was slipping away following an improved offer from Madrid. Arteta had pushed strongly for Vinicius, but Arsenal must now decide whether another elite winger is available at the right price.
Martinelli’s situation adds another layer to that decision.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Galatasaray have placed Martinelli on their list of potential winger signings, with the Arsenal forward considered an alternative to Rafael Leao. No bid has been reported, and Arsenal’s position remains unclear. Read Di Marzio’s Martinelli and Galatasaray update
With Vinicius now unavailable, selling Martinelli without first securing another high-level option on the left would leave Arsenal taking a considerable risk.
Bruno Guimaraes deal moves towards completion
Arsenal’s midfield business is much further advanced.
The Gunners have agreed a £75m deal with Newcastle United for Bruno Guimaraes, with personal terms already in place. ReadArsenal covered Fabrizio Romano’s “here we go” confirmation on Wednesday.
Guimaraes would give Arteta another proven Premier League option alongside Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal therefore appear close to completing one major piece of business while being forced to reconsider another. With Vinicius staying in Madrid and Martinelli attracting interest, the left wing could now become the most interesting part of Arsenal’s remaining summer window.
dave.sport is in beta
We are building a new home for independent sports coverage. dave.sport is currently in beta, with new features and publisher tools rolling out as we test what fans need most.
Explore the beta
£34m Arsenal signing already giving Arteta another weapon
£34m Arsenal signing already giving Arteta another weapon