Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing Brazil winger Vinicius Jr should the 26-year-old fail to extend his current deal with Real Madrid.
The move would represent one of the most ambitious transfer pursuits in the club’s history, targeting one of world football’s most celebrated attacking players.
However, new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is determined to block any potential approach from Arsenal for the Brazilian star this summer.
The Portuguese boss has made clear to the club that he wants all of his key players to remain at the Bernabeu, complicating any potential deal significantly.
Arsenal’s ambitions do not stop with Vinicius, as the club are also reportedly prepared to break the British transfer record to sign Argentina striker Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.
Alvarez, 26, has established himself as one of Europe’s most coveted forwards, and Arsenal’s willingness to shatter existing transfer records underlines the scale of their ambitions.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Tottenham could lose Argentina defender Cristian Romero, with Inter Milan registering an interest in the 28-year-old centre-back.
Real Madrid have seen a bid of £85.4 million rejected by RB Leipzig for 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, who is also attracting attention from Liverpool and Manchester City.
Chelsea have knocked back a third approach from Como for England defender Trevoh Chalobah, 27, signalling the London club’s firm intention to retain him.
Nottingham Forest have moved to strengthen their defensive options by submitting an improved £17.5 million bid for Feyenoord’s 20-year-old Dutch right-back Givairo Read.
Juventus are exploring a move for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, 31, after the Italian club held talks with the Portugal midfielder’s representatives.
Manchester United are facing frustration from AS Roma over their lack of urgency in making a concrete offer for 25-year-old France midfielder Manu Kone.
West Ham have firmly rejected a Brentford approach for 21-year-old Senegal left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, insisting the player is not available for transfer.
Germany midfielder Julian Brandt, 30, is weighing up offers from both Leeds United and Ajax after departing Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer.
Middlesbrough are exploring the possibility of signing Manchester United’s 22-year-old Czech goalkeeper Radek Vitek, who spent last season on loan at Bristol City.
