Vinicius Jr to Arsenal overnight twist as Martinelli makes transfer call | Football | Sport

Arsenal are significantly ramping up their transfer business as they look to pair incoming £75million midfielder Bruno Guimaraes with his Brazil team-mate Vinicius Jr. A deal looked unlikely just a few weeks ago, but with the Real Madrid superstar not yet willing to agree to the financial terms on a new contract, he may depart the Bernabeu with just a year left on his current deal.

With the signing of Guimaraes from Newcastle all but completed, attention can be turned to other areas of the team that are deemed in need of improvement. That includes on the left wing, where Gabriel Martinelli could join Leandro Trossard out the door, and also at the back. Here, Express Sport brings you all the latest transfer news from the Emirates…

Vinicius Jr overnight twist

Also, Arsenal may be stuck with a cluster of players to operate on the left flank if the Brazilian does arrive and joins Christos Tzolis as a summer addition.

That’s because Martinelli is yet to make a final decision on leaving the club. CBS Sport claim that despite interest from Roma and Juventus in Italy, alongside Turkish giants Fenerbahce, there has been little official movement.

Martinelli has 12 months left on his contract and the 25-year-old appears in little rush to depart, which could yet hamper any pursuit of Vinicius Jr if the club were counting on funds raised by Martinelli going towards what would be a club-record buy.

Aston Villa brace for new bid

Aston Villa are understood to be preparing for a fresh approach from Arsenal for defender Ezri Konsa. They were believed to have fielded a proposal from the Gunners, which came significantly short of the £60m price tag they have attached to the 28-year-old.

Yet the Daily Mail claim that Konsa has stayed on Arsenal’s shortlist as a priority defensive acquisition. William Saliba’s extended unavailability due to injury is a crucial factor in Arteta’s ambition to secure Premier League-tested cover at centre-back, with Konsa’s versatility to operate at right-back also an advantage.

Villa are under no financial obligation to part with Konsa as they lately offloaded Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for a mammoth fee. The England centre-back also has two years remaining on his contract.

While Villa are keen for him to pen fresh terms, they face no immediate threat of losing him on a free transfer. They can stand firm on their £60m valuation.