Updated: 31 Jul 2026 20:20 BST |
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FootballTransfers runs through the latest Arsenal transfer news on Friday 31 July, including fresh updates on Vinicius Junior and Bruno Guimaraes.
Arsenal-linked Vinicius handed contract ultimatum
Real Madrid have told Vinicius Junior they will look to sell him to Arsenal if he turns down their latest contract offer, according to reports in Spain.
The Athletic reported last Saturday that Arsenal are exploring an ambitious move to sign Vinicius, who has just one year left on his Real contract.
And now Spanish publication Marca understands La Liga giants Real have issued Vinicius an ultimatum in light of the Gunners’ interest.
The same outlet claims Real have made the 26-year-old aware they will look to offload him if he rejects their new – and final – contract proposal.
Gunners confident Vinicius would join if contract offer refused
Arsenal are confident Vinicius would join them if he decides against signing a new contract with Real, according to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel.
In a Q&A on BBC Sport’s website, Mokbel said: “If a new contract can’t be agreed [with Real] – that’s when Arsenal come in.
“But the cost of the deal to bring Vini Jr to the Emirates would be one of the most expensive, if not the most expensive, transfers in British football history in terms of a fee and wages.
“Internally, the Gunners believe they have the financial means to complete the transfer.
“They are also confident the player would join. However, there are still a lot of ifs, buts and maybes to be resolved before Arsenal find themselves in a position to execute a deal they believe they can pull off.”
Guimaraes in the ‘final stages’ of joining Mikel Arteta’s side
Bruno Guimaraes is in the “final stages” of joining Arsenal after they agreed a €90million (£76.9m) fee with Newcastle United for their captain, according to L’Equipe.
Various sources understand the Premier League champions have made Guimaraes their top target as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of the 2026-27 season.
BBC Sport reported earlier in July that the Brazil international, 28, has told Newcastle of his desire to join Arsenal this summer.
And now L’Equipe understands the Premier League clubs have agreed a deal in principle after Arsenal previously saw offers of €70m (£60m) and €80m (£70m) rejected.
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