According to high level and high profile reports on Saturday afternoon (the 25th of July), Arsenal are exploring a move to sign Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.
It's safe to say that with the World Cup now a distant memory, the transfer window is really beginning to heat up, and that is very much the case as far as Real Madrid are concerned too.
This week, it has been heavily reported that the club are set to make a move for Manchester City and Spain national team midfielder, Rodri, with the player said to be keen on a move.
Then, last night it was reported that Real Madrid are also making a move for in demand RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast national team winger Yan Diomande, with him now the preferred option after a deal for Michael Olise was clearly rendered impossible.
Well, there is another big story to tell you about. Indeed so, as today (Saturday the 25th of July 2026), it is being reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic that Premier League side Arsenal are exploring a move to sign Vinicius. He says that whilst the clubs are not yet in talks, the idea is approved at all levels. A lot rests on contract process as there has been no breakthrough yet, and the club do not want him to leave for free (deal expires next year).
Meanwhile, Ben Jacobs is reporting the same thing, mentioning that Arsenal are feeling opportunistic. Interestingly, he also refers to the fact that Roc Nation represent both Vinicius and the aforementioned Diomande.
So, who knows what will happen. The link to the RB Leipzig forward did not feel mutually exclusive with a potential Vinicius exit, considering he had himself said he prefers playing off the right hand side, and most of his games in the Bundesliga last season were off the right.
However, maybe the plan is to play him on the left in a scenario where the Brazilian leaves? Some may suggest Kylian Mbappe could move back to the left sided role he has spent so much of his career in, but given he now also plays up front for the France national team too, it feels like he is just pretty accustomed to a central role these days.
Very interesting stuff indeed. It promises to be a very exciting final six weeks of the transfer window, with no World Cup distractions and delays now. It feels like a lot of deals will speed up in the coming days and weeks ahead of us. Let's see.
