Arsenal news: Vini Jr agreement reached, major transfer twist, Bruno G issue | Football | Sport
Arsenal have been working hard to improve their squad as they go in search of back-to-back Premier League titles, with the north Londoners eyeing a number of high-profile targets. They have already signed Christos Tzolis, Illan Meslier and Piero Hincapie on permanent deals for a combined total of £68.5million. Bruno Guimaraes looks set to become their fourth summer arrival, having completed a medical ahead of his proposed £75m switch.
Here’s a look at the latest headlines doing the rounds…
It’s been reported that Real Madrid are on the verge of finalising an extension for Vinicius, effectively ending any prospect of Arteta landing the winger.
Fabrizio Romano states that the verbal agreement is almost concluded, with the 26-year-old giving “the green light” to press ahead with a new long-term deal.
Jose Mourinho has reportedly urged Vini to stay, indicating he was prepared to reintegrate the winger into the squad.
Speaking ahead of the Brazilian’s return to pre-season training, Mourinho said: “I’m concerned about not having everyone, and I would like to have three weeks of work with the others. It’s not possible.
“On Monday, Vini Jr, Brahim, and Bernardo will arrive. Little by little, until the boys who played in the World Cup semifinals and final arrive, with the final being only Cucurella.”
Liverpool are poised to challenge Arsenal for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa amid their significant defensive crisis.
Joe Gomez sustained an injury during pre-season with Jeremy Jacquet yet to appear and Virgil van Dijk still away following the World Cup.
The Gunners expressed interest in Konsa after William Saliba’s back injury at the World Cup, but Villa’s £60m valuation is believed to exceed what they are prepared to spend.
The 28-year-old is a Premier League stalwart and with two years remaining on his contract, he could prove an excellent acquisition for either Liverpool or Arsenal.
Guimaraes’ impending switch to Arsenal could create complications for Declan Rice. The England international may find himself deployed in an unfamiliar role within the squad.
Rice has been Arsenal’s dependable No. 8, amassing 158 appearances as the club’s primary playmaker. Yet Guimaraes also thrives in the creative position and might push Rice into a more defensive No. 6 role.
While this could present challenges for the pair, Jay Bothroyd considers them “up there” amongst the Premier League’s finest midfield combinations.
He said: “I do believe with Rice and Guimaraes, of all of those [Rodri and Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, Matheus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali], I would probably say, as athletes as well as football players, they would be the best partnership in terms of fitness, physicality, both boxes.
“I think tactically, Rodri and Elliot Anderson might be better, but I think definitely for the way Arsenal play, I wouldn’t swap that pairing for any of the others.”
