Arsenal are plotting an audacious move for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr this summer, but the deal already faces a major obstacle: incoming Bernabeu boss Jose Mourinho is set to oppose the transfer. The Premier League champions, who have yet to make contact with Real Madrid over the 26-year-old Brazil winger, have received approval from their hierarchy to explore the move, according to The Athletic. Vinicius has just one year left on his contract, meaning Madrid may be forced to sell rather than lose him for free next summer. However, The Telegraph claims Mourinho, who will take over at the Bernabeu, would block any departure.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are pressing ahead with their midfield rebuild. Reports in Italy claim the club have “reached an agreement in principle” with France international Manu Kone. In an attempt to reduce the transfer fee, United are offering Marcus Rashford to Roma, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports, though any deal is described as unlikely due to the player’s £325,000-a-week wages. Aurelien Tchouameni remains a target for the Red Devils as well, according to The Independent.
“Arsenal target Vinicius Jr but Mourinho opposes sale; Man Utd offer Rashford for Kone; Liverpool chase Barcola.”
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has confirmed the Reds “definitely need to sign a winger”. Their primary target appears to be Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, but PSG want at least £140m for the France international, according to the BBC. The French champions are open to selling because head coach Luis Enrique only wants fully committed players. Liverpool have held preliminary talks over Barcola, but no movement has been made on Pedro Neto. Arsenal also appreciate Barcola but have yet to make a move.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid have verbally agreed personal terms with Yan Diomande, Sky Germany reports, putting them in pole position for the midfielder after Paris Saint-Germain also reached a deal last month. Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund dismissed any interest from Madrid in Michael Olise, saying, “This is not a topic for us at all.” Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez wants to leave, Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti claimed, though Villa’s director of football operations Damian Vidagany has said Martinez will not be sold. Jack Harrison has ended his eight-year Leeds stint by joining MLS side New England Revolution for an undisclosed fee, telling the club’s website, “It ticked a lot of boxes.”
