Arsenal’s Transfer Pursuits and Player Movements
Arsenal are reportedly making progress in their pursuit of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, with a transfer for the Brazilian winger now considered a possibility. This development follows stalled contract negotiations for Vinicius Jr in Spain. Concurrently, Arsenal are also targeting Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Reports indicate that Guimaraes is expected to undergo a medical with the club today.
To facilitate these potential high-value deals, which could involve fees near or exceeding £100m each, Arsenal may need to sell some players. Christian Norgaard is reportedly set to depart after a single season at the Emirates, with Everton appearing to be his next destination. Another potential sale could involve Myles Lewis-Skelly, as Manchester United are exploring options to bring the defender to Old Trafford, with Michael Carrick looking to strengthen his squad.
United’s transfer objectives also include a left-back, with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall being considered. However, securing Hall might be challenging given Newcastle’s recent sale of Sandro Tonali and the potential departure of Guimaraes during the current transfer window.
Guimaraes’ Future and Personal Life
The future of Bruno Guimaraes is becoming a significant transfer story this summer. The midfielder has reportedly returned to link up with Newcastle for pre-season training for the first time, following extended leave after his World Cup participation with Brazil. He is expected to arrive in La Manga to commence work.
Despite his return, Guimaraes’ priority is reportedly a move to the Premier League champions, and he is expected to reiterate his desire to leave Newcastle. This comes amid reports that Arsenal had an initial formal offer rejected by the club. A transfer fee in the region of £75m has been suggested for his signature.
Guimaraes’ personal life has also been noted, particularly his relationship with his wife, Ana Linda Martins. The couple began dating in 2020 when Guimaraes played for Athletico Paranaense. Ana, a nutritionist who also takes courses related to personal training and health, moved to France with him when he joined Lyon. They welcomed their first child in 2022 and married in 2023 in Rio de Janeiro. A second child was born in March 2024. Ana is also a social media personality, sharing content on fitness, nutrition, and family, and has been seen supporting Guimaraes at matches, including the World Cup.
Guimaraes is reportedly keen to return to the pitch after missing a crucial penalty in Brazil’s round of 16 defeat to Norway. Newcastle is scheduled to play Valencia in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, though it remains uncertain if Guimaraes will participate.
Other Notable Transfer Developments
Elsewhere in the transfer market, Chelsea have announced the signing of Danny Welbeck, with Jordan Henderson expected to follow. Mohamed Salah, who left Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of last season, appears to be close to joining Trabzonspor, despite earlier verbal agreements with Besiktas.
Liverpool are also active, with Maghnes Alkiouche set to undergo a medical with Paris Saint-Germain later this week after a £42.8m (€50m) deal was agreed with Monaco. Alkiouche had also been a target for Liverpool. Additionally, Bradley Barcola is rumoured to be a target for Liverpool, with clubs reportedly in talks over the PSG winger. According to Julien Laurens, Barcola would be receptive to a move to Anfield.
Jack Grealish, who is in the final year of his contract at Manchester City and spent last season on loan at Everton, is attracting interest from Atletico Madrid. Grealish could also opt to remain at City under new manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, new Arsenal signing Christos Tzolis has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to defend their Premier League title.
In other news, Yan Diomande will not travel with RB Leipzig to their pre-season training camp in Austria as negotiations continue with Real Madrid over his transfer. However, the club states his absence is due to illness. Rennes have agreed a deal to sign Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse, involving a loan fee of €2.5m and an obligation to buy for up to €25.5m next summer. Glen Kamara is also set to join Queens Park Rangers on a loan with an option to buy, with the deal reportedly in the paperwork stage.
Manchester United are considering bringing in another midfielder, despite having already spent £85m on Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. This potential acquisition would likely be a lower-cost option, not a player in the £60-70m range, as Casemiro’s departure necessitates a midfield rebuild.
Arsenal’s season is set to begin on Sunday, August 16, in the Community Shield against Manchester City.
Source: independent.co.uk