Vinicius was never coming, it was leverage for a better Madrid deal
Your club's summer-long flirtation with Vinicius Junior is officially over. The Brazilian forward has signed a bumper new contract at Real Madrid, and former United scout Mick Brown says the whole thing was theater. "The player and his agent used the interest from Arsenal to get a bumper new deal at Real Madrid and put pressure on them to increase the offer that was on the table," Brown told Football Insider (2).
Arsenal knew what was happening, according to Brown. "From an Arsenal point of view, they knew what was happening, they knew they were never likely to sign Vinicius Junior, but it was a good PR opportunity for them." His verdict: everybody wins, the player, Real Madrid, and Arsenal's reputation (2).
BBC Sport called your window "mixed" so far, noting the club still has business to do after the Vinicius chase ended (12).
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Bruno Guimaraes is through the door, and Hamann has doubts
Bruno Guimaraes has completed his first training session with Arsenal. The midfielder arrives from Newcastle with a point to prove.
Dietmar Hamann is not convinced he is world class yet. "To call him top class, I think, is a bit premature. He's a very good player. To show he's top class, I think he's got to prove it now at Arsenal" (5). Hamann added that Arsenal want Guimaraes to be "a bit more adventurous from midfield," working alongside Declan Rice (5).
Gyokeres says he feels ready
Viktor Gyokeres has had a full pre-season with Arsenal and says the difference is night and day. "I feel much, much better than probably last pre-season. I've had more weeks now and it feels very, very good physically," the striker said (9). After a disrupted summer last year, the Swede looks primed for the campaign.
Romero prefers Atletico, despite Arsenal contact
Arsenal made genuine contact with Cristian Romero's entourage, but the Tottenham defender looks bound for Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone's persistence has paid off, and Romero has thanked Barcelona, Inter, and Arsenal for their interest before choosing the Spanish side (7).
Arsenal lead the race for a £30m left-back
Your club is ahead of Manchester United in the chase for a £30m-rated left-back, with a second source confirming Arsenal are in pole position (3). Separately, a Mikel Arteta target has issued an update, "I have big plans", with Arsenal reportedly leading an £85m deal (14).
Juventus say no to Yildiz, Konsa deal looks tough
Arsenal asked about Juventus attacker Kenan Yildiz. The answer was fast and final: no (11). Andrea Berta is also testing Aston Villa's resolve over Ezri Konsa, but Arsenal's disciplined approach in the market may make a £34m deal difficult to pull off (4).
Serie A clubs circling Jesus and Martinelli
Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are attracting interest from Serie A clubs, according to Tuesday's gossip (13). No formal bids reported yet, but it is one to watch as the window enters its final weeks.
Community Shield on Sunday, Manchester City await
Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield this Sunday. The fixture revives a rivalry that stretches through Wenger, George Graham, Sir Alex Ferguson, and classic clashes involving Ian Wright, Gilberto Silva, and Robert Pires (8).
Next up: Premier League opener vs Coventry City, Friday August 21 at the Emirates.
Fan reactions
It is a reflective mood among the fanbase this week. Jenna Nighswonger's departure from Arsenal Women to Bay FC has supporters wishing her well, with one fan summing it up: "Wishing you the very best of luck in the future, Jenna!" link. Christian Nørgaard also posted an Instagram goodbye to the club, calling it "a great privilege" to have trained and played alongside the squad. link
