Arsenal's pursuit of a Brazilian midfielder has made headlines
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on May 24, 2026 in London, England.
Mikel Arteta is hoping his players return fit and healthy from international duty(Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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In a week where Premier League rivals Manchester City continue to dominate headlines, stories surrounding Arsenal largely revolve around the international break and potential transfers. An impressive 17 Gunners stars were called up to represent their respective nations for the current international break.
The break came just after the Gunners suffered their first defeat of the season - a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Brighton after a long run of away games. Prior to that loss, Mikel Arteta’s side had won seven games on the bounce across all competitions to kick off the 2026/27 campaign, where they will hope to build on their Premier League title success last term.
Arteta will also hope his players can avoid any injuries and niggles for the remainder of the internationals ahead of Leeds United’s visit to the Emirates Stadium on October 10. He has already seen Kai Havertz return home from Germany’s camp due to a minor muscle strain.
Vinicius Junior thanks Arsenal star
Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Junior of Brazil celebrates at the end of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Brazil and Japan at Houston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
Vinicius Junior was very appreciative of Bruno Guimaraes(Image: Getty )
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Vinicius Junior has thanked Arsenal’s Bruno Guimaraes for letting him take Brazil’s 80th-minute penalty during the 4-2 win over Australia. With the score 3-2, Brazil were awarded a late spot-kick in Tuesday’s friendly. And with penalty taker Raphinha off the pitch, midfielder Guimaraes was next in line to take it.
However, recognising team-mate Vinicius’ need for a confidence boost, given his recent goal drought, the Gunners’ summer signing passed responsibility on to Vinicius, allowing him to score and lift his spirits. The Real Madrid man, who was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal himself in the summer before signing a contract extension with Los Blancos, thanked Guimaraes for his kind gesture post-match.
The forward said: "Bruno Guimaraes is our penalty taker when Raphinha isn’t playing, and I thought he’d want to take it, but he knows that I need a bit of confidence right now, in this moment. My teammates know I need some confidence now. Losing a World Cup is hard and difficult to accept, and the comeback is never easy."
Guimaraes confirmed what Vinicius said afterwards, emphasising the squad's unity. "That was the reason [the penalty gave Vini confidence]," he explained. "After the penalty incident, many things came to light. But here in the national team, we have no vanity whatsoever.
"In the World Cup, [manager Carlo] Ancelotti told me to take the penalty. Today, he told Vini to take it. Vini really needed to score a goal. He took it very well. We have no vanity whatsoever. We want what's best for Brazil. We're happy for him and it's about continuing the work."
£40m-rated Brazilian 'pursued'
Breno Bidon of Corinthians celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores round of 16 second-leg match between Corinthians and Rosario Central at Neo Quimica Arena on August 20, 2026 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Arsenal have been linked with Breno Bidon(Image: Getty )
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Arsenal could be set to add another Brazilian to their ranks, according to a report. TEAMtalk claims the north Londoners are interested in pursuing 21-year-old Corinthians midfielder Breno Bidon, having first made contact over his potential signing back in January.
The £40million-rated youngster earned his first senior cap for Brazil this week, playing alongside his hero Guimaraes. He did not comment on his growing links with Arsenal, but instead voiced his admiration for the Gunners ace.
Bidon told Gazeta Esportiva: "From the current generation, Bruno Guimaraes is someone I follow a lot. He had a very good World Cup and managed to stand out.
"He is someone who has already experienced a lot in football. He started young in Brazil and he’s someone I really look up to.
"From what I’ve seen while being around him, he has a very good and winning mentality. And on the pitch, I don’t even need to say anything. He’s been playing really well."
While Arsenal are yet to launch an official bid for Bidon, they reportedly asked to be kept informed of developments earlier this year. It is claimed that whether they make a move for him or not depends on Martin Zubimendi’s future, in light of the Spaniard sliding down Arteta’s pecking order since the back end of last season, and his potential exit.