Vinicius Jr is not coming
Sky Sports have confirmed it. Vinicius Jr will stay at Real Madrid this summer, ending Arsenal's pursuit of the blockbuster signing (3) (6) (8). Multiple outlets across Europe report the same, Madrid are not selling (4) (7). It is a gut punch after weeks of hope that the Brazilian could arrive as a statement addition to a title-winning squad.
Barcola agrees terms with Liverpool
Another target appears to be slipping away. Bradley Barcola has a verbal agreement with Liverpool on personal terms, leaving Arsenal to watch from the sidelines (11) (12). Your club had been linked with the PSG winger for some time, but the focus on Vinicius may have cost ground here.
Guimaraes deal, Newcastle sign a replacement
Newcastle have signed midfielder Aladji Bamba from AS Monaco for £34 million (2). His ex-coach Abel Lorincz described him as a specialist at breaking down low blocks with tight little passes (2). That sounds like a player who fills a Bruno Guimaraes-shaped hole. Whether Guimaraes pushes for the move is another question, Sky Sports report he is not forcing anything (10). Arsenal have reportedly upped their offer to £70m plus £5m in add-ons.
Kounde available, Diaz an option
Barcelona are ready to sell Jules Kounde, and Arsenal are monitoring the situation, though Tottenham are also in the mix (9). Meanwhile, Real Madrid are willing to listen to offers for Brahim Diaz, a player Arsenal have tracked for years (16). That one could be easier to get done than Vinicius.
Tomiyasu training with Palace
Takehiro Tomiyasu is a free agent and training with Crystal Palace. Arsenal are not looking to bring him back, even with defensive depth a topic of discussion (15). Tomiyasu himself said: "I'll support the team as a Gooner alongside all of you" (15).
Fan reactions
The mood is split. The Vinicius news has landed hard, fans on r/Gunners are digesting Sky Sports' confirmation with a mix of frustration and realism, while the Guimaraes chatter is carrying real energy. Reports that Arsenal have raised their bid to £70m+£5m and that the deal has become a "matter of honor" for the club have supporters believing it will get done. Read the full discussion here.
