Arsenal are reportedly closing in on Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, with the midfielder said to have passed his medical and agreed a four-year deal, as Vinicius Jr looks set to remain at Real Madrid
Arsenal are moving closer to confirming Bruno Guimaraes as their latest summer acquisition after missing out on Vinicius Jr. The Newcastle midfielder has allegedly completed his medical with a four-year contract agreed.
He becomes part of Christos Tzolis, Piero Hincapie and Illan Meslier as Mikel Arteta’s fresh recruits. Several other prospects are being tracked, though the Gunners are expected to now abandon their pursuit of Vini Jr.
And with Vinicius Jr now likely to remain, the north London club can focus their efforts on alternative targets. Here, Daily Star Sport brings the latest updates from the Emirates Stadium.
Ezri Konsa transfer tussle
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Liverpool are threatening to rival Arsenal for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa owing to their considerable defensive problems. Joe Gomez sustained an injury during pre-season with Jeremy Jacquet still to feature and Virgil van Dijk remaining unavailable following the World Cup.
The Gunners showed interest in Konsa after William Saliba’s back problem at the World Cup, though Villa’s £60m asking price is thought to surpass what they are willing to pay, reports Football London.
Speaking about the Reds’ defensive shortfall, Andoni Iraola stated: “With the centre-back, with the right-back situation, in terms of defensive depth, we are, I think, very thin right now so I think it’s a solution that we are trying to find, yes.”
Vini Jr decision made
Real Madrid have agreed a new six-year deal with Vinicius Jr, ending any dreams Arteta harboured of capturing the winger.
Speaking on Instagram, the Brazilian winger said: “Eight years at the Bernabeu are too short…Six more years, and then forever.”
“Vinicius Jr has become one of the most important players in one of the most successful periods in our history,” said the club in a statement.
Declan Rice problem emerges
Bruno Guimaraes’ looming arrival at Arsenal could create a substantial headache for Declan Rice. The England midfielder might discover himself forced into an uncomfortable position within the team.
Rice has served as Arsenal’s reliable No. 8, clocking up 158 appearances as the club’s main creative outlet in the middle of the park. Yet, Guimaraes operates in a comparable attacking position and might force the 27-year-old into a more defensive No. 6 role.
While this could create a challenge for both individuals, Jay Bothroyd reckons the duo are “up there” amongst the Premier League’s finest midfield combinations.