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Arsenal transfer news: Arteta dodges question on Vinicius Junior rumours
02nd August, 2026 02:13 PM
Mikel Arteta brushed off questions regarding a potential move for the club’s summer target Vinícius Júnior, stating that Arsenal remain active in their ambitious plans to bolster the squad ahead of their Premier League title defence.
Speaking in the mixed zone following Saturday’s pre-season clash against Girona, the gaffer emphasised that the Gunners, much like their rivals, expect further arrivals in the coming weeks as squad building intensifies ahead of the new season.
Active on transfer
“Well, we are really active, trying to improve and evolve the team. That’s clear. We expect to have movements in the next few weeks, obviously, because we want to get better like anybody else. You can just see the transfer market and our opponents. What we are doing, we won’t sit still, and we are very ambitious in what we want to do,” he said.
Arteta’s comments came after Arsenal comfortably dispatched Girona 4–1 in Catalonia. 16-year-old Max Dowman was the match’s bright spot, contributing a goal and an assist in a dominant display. New signing Christos Tzolis also found the net on his debut, a fitting reward for an impressive, well-rounded performance.
The manager’s remarks follow updates that the Brazilian winger is set to hold crunch talks with Real Madrid regarding his future. The player’s representatives are scheduled to hold conversations with Real Madrid.
The winger has been the subject of prolonged interest from Arsenal after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract with Real Madrid, but the stalemate could soon be resolved depending on the outcome of these decisive talks.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have made tremendous progress in the chase of Bruno Gumaraes with the deal between the clubs said to be nearing completion.
Football journalist Fabrizio Romano on Sunday, August 2, 2026, provided a ‘positive update’, revealing that discussions between the two Premier League clubs are continuing as Arsenal attempts to finalise the move.
“Arsenal is in direct talks again today with Newcastle to close the Bruno Guimarães deal. Bruno, waiting for green light to travel for the medical and contract signing as soon as the deal is completed. #AFC maintains total confidence.”
The report indicated that Guimaraes has already settled personal terms with Arsenal and is simply waiting for approval to travel for a medical and complete the necessary paperwork.
