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Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta 'makes contact' with Vinicius Jr as new bid for target 'imminent'

Arsenal are expected to be busy in the coming weeks as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new season, with Mikel Arteta reportedly targeting Vinicius Jr and Bruno Guimaraes

[Mikel Arteta]

Mikel Arteta's summer hasn't quite gone to plan

The second half of the summer transfer window is set to be a hectic period for Arsenal, who have moved up a gear in their chase of several key targets.

Ever since the Gunners endured heartache in the Champions League final against PSG back in May, Mikel Arteta has been open about his ambition to bolster the squad - particularly in attacking areas. However, they've let to land a major target such as Vinicius Jr.

With the 2026/27 season approaching fast, sporting director Andrea Berta is anticipated to ramp up his activities. The club are hunting for a defender, a midfielder and a forward, with Vinicius Junior sitting at the summit of that shopping list.

Mikel Arteta's private Vinicius Jr chat

[Mikel Arteta of Arsenal and Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid shake hands during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Arsenal FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.]

Mikel Arteta has ramped up his efforts to land Vinicius Jr(Image: DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

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Arteta has reportedly taken charge of Arsenal's chase for Vinicius by directly contacting the Brazilian winger. The Gunners boss, according to Spanish publication AS, has told Vinicius he would construct the entire Arsenal vision around him, should he make the switch this summer.

It emerged last month that all key decision-makers at Arsenal had resolved to target the Real Madrid attacker. Although Vinicius' contract runs out next summer, a transfer fee in the region of 130m has been discussed, reports Football London.

Real Madrid are determined to retain Vinicius, but would be willing to approve his departure should he decline to sign fresh terms. Reports indicate Real are reluctant to amend their most recent contract offer, with the club convinced that the decision now rests with the player.

First Bruno Guimaraes bid rejected

[Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United is challenged by Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC at Emirates Stadium on May 18, 2025 in London, England.]

Bruno Guimaraes has been a target for the champions(Image: Mike Hewitt, Getty Images)

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According to football.london Newcastle United have knocked back Arsenal's opening official bid for Bruno Guimaraes. The Gunners' initial offer fell short of the 80m price tag the Magpies have placed on their skipper and key midfielder.

However, Arsenal are anticipated to come back with a better offer for the 28-year-old, whose contract is valid until June 2028. Guimaraes has emerged as Arteta's top priority in recent weeks and is reportedly already in agreement over personal terms with the north London club.

The Brazilian has also expressed his desire to leave Newcastle, with the Premier League champions believed to be his favoured destination. It's understood, however, that Guimaraes is not willing to force a move.

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