Guimaraes deal expected to go through
Former Premier League CEO Keith Wyness expects Bruno Guimaraes to join Arsenal this summer (2). The Newcastle captain would cost around £70m. Wyness pointed to the Isak money from previous windows as a sign Newcastle will sell again: "That will leave Newcastle in a difficult position. Even though they'll get that money again, we've seen them have the Isak money before" (2). Eddie Howe confirmed talks have been held over the midfielder's future (3).
Arsenal explore Vinicius move, Mourinho says no
Arsenal are exploring a blockbuster move for Vinicius Junior (1) (6). ESPN reports Real Madrid see Arsenal as the only possible destination if the Brazilian and the club fail to agree on a new contract (1). But Jose Mourinho has told the Real Madrid board he wants to keep all his big names, complicating any deal (12). The wage gap is real: Vinicius wants €30m net per year, Madrid are offering €20m net, up from his current €15m (fan reports).
Diomande race heats up with Real Madrid
Arsenal are interested in RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, but Real Madrid are preparing a €100m bid (4) (8). Fabrizio Romano reports Diomande has responded to Arsenal's approach, though the nature of that response is not public (4). The competition from Madrid makes this a difficult one to close.
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Sagoe Jr scores winner for Kalmar
Arsenal loanee Charles Sagoe Jr scored the winning goal as Kalmar beat Mjällby (9). The result ended a run of seven straight games without a win for the Swedish side. Sagoe Jr is spending the season on loan gaining first-team minutes.
Five friendlies in 15 days raises workload concerns
Arsenal face Girona, Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund, Como, and Manchester City across just 15 days in pre-season starting next Saturday, 1 August (5). With several players returning from the World Cup, the schedule has drawn criticism over player welfare. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and others will have had minimal rest before the friendlies begin.
Quick hits
Arsenal are monitoring FC Porto's young Danish midfielder Victor Froholdt (11). Former academy player Joseph Olowu has signed for Leyton Orient, reuniting with his old manager (14). Bruno Guimaraes was spotted at Sao Januario watching his boyhood club Vasco da Gama face Mirassol in the Brasileirao (7).
Fan reactions
The Vinicius story has split the fanbase. Some supporters are doing the maths on wages and see €577k per week as impossible, while others point to ESPN's report that Real Madrid consider Arsenal the only realistic destination if he leaves. The Mourinho factor is also a talking point: a manager veto only adds to the sense this saga will drag all window. Read the discussion here.
