Arsenal have accelerated talks over a £70m move for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, while also exploring an extraordinary deal for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr that would make the Brazilian the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
The Premier League champions are set to make a formal offer for the 28-year-old Brazil midfielder, who has told his representatives he wants his future resolved in the next week before reporting back for Newcastle’s pre-season training camp. Sources close to the Magpies insist they have no intention of selling Guimaraes this summer and that no direct approach has been made, but the player is keen to join Arsenal and the agreement of personal terms is not expected to be an issue.
“Arsenal make £70m Guimaraes offer and target Vinicius Jr on £400k/wk, while PSG demand £145m for Barcola.”
Arsenal’s determination to strengthen their squad is underscored by their simultaneous pursuit of Vinicius Jr. Real Madrid have set a price of 160m euros (£137m) for the 26-year-old, who has just 12 months left on his contract. The Gunners would be willing to offer him the biggest contract in the club’s history, with a staggering salary of £400,000 per week, according to reports. That would surpass Bukayo Saka’s £365,000-a-week deal signed in February. However, Vinicius’ priority is to sign a new deal at Madrid, and he hopes to stay at the Bernabeu.
If the winger does move to north London, he would have to give up his favoured No. 7 shirt, currently worn by Saka. The Brazilian previously wore No. 20, which is also taken by Noni Madueke, but numbers 15, 19, 25 and 28 are available. Despite the potential wage record, Vinicius is coming off his second-best goalscoring season in La Liga with 16 goals, but failed to win a major honour for a second consecutive season at Madrid.
Meanwhile, Paris St-Germain want £145m for 23-year-old France forward Bradley Barcola, another Arsenal target along with Liverpool. The Gunners have also explored a move for the PSG winger. Arsenal’s hardline approach on valuations was evident when they refused to match Chelsea’s £117m offer for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, sticking to an £80m valuation. They also hold an interest in Villa defender Ezri Konsa and have enquired about the England international, while Como’s Jacobo Ramon is on their list but contract clauses make a deal difficult.
Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez is Arsenal’s dream attacking target, but the cost could exceed the British record fee of £125m set when Alexander Isak moved from Newcastle to Liverpool, and the player currently desires to join Barcelona. Arsenal have already signed Greece forward Tzolis for £34m, but with William Saliba set to miss an extended period with a back injury, the pressure is on Mikel Arteta to deliver more elite reinforcements before the window closes.