Vinicius Jr could be heading to the Premier League(Image: Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Arsenal would be pulling off the biggest transfer in their history if they acquire Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid. However, their chase for the Brazilian star may not tell the full story of Mikel Arteta's transfer intentions.
The Gunners' stunning interest in the 26-year-old was reported last week by The Athletic, who stated they'd be keen on signing him if he doesn't sign a new deal with the Spanish giants.
Vinicius has just 12 months left on his contract and Madrid could be inclined to sell him this summer rather than let him leave for free next year. Even before the sale of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas, a marquee attacker was a priority for Arteta in his attempts to bolster their chances of defending their Premier League title this upcoming season.
The Madrid superstar certainly fits the bill, but he isn't the only forward that Arsenal have had their eyes on this window. Yan Diomande has been a target for the north London outfit, with Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Madrid all registering serious interest in signing the RB Leipzig left-winger.
While Vinicius is currently the superior player, Diomande, 19, is seven years younger than him and is equally adept at playing on both flanks. The Brazilian's contract situation could have played a role in Madrid moving forward in their attempts to sign the Ivorian, having launched an unsuccessful £85million bid for his services.
Arsenal's interest in Vinicius could be a calculated tactic to force Madrid to focus on extending his contract, which could result in the Gunners moving ahead of the pack in the race for Diomande.
Talks may continue to loom over the Brazil international's future, but according to Diario AS, there is optimism that a deal can be reached to continue his eight-year tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Yan Diomande is nearing a move to Real Madrid(Image: Hugo Rivera/Jam Media/Getty Images)
That optimism seems to have no bearing on their efforts to sign Diomande, with Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg reporting that the winger has reached a 'verbal agreement' to join the La Liga side.
However, the deal has hit a speed bump, with Leipzig managing director Marcel Schafer casting doubt on the progression of Diomande's move to Madrid. The German appeared to indirectly slam Fabrizio Romano for seemingly confirming Diomande's eventual sale on X.
The Italian had used his catchphrase 'Here We Go' when claiming an agreement between Leipzig and Madrid had been found in a deal worth over £85m for the Ivorian. Schafer unequivocally told Sky Germany:
“It’s clear that some so-called transfer experts reported a few days ago that the deal was done or gave it the ‘here we go.’ That’s simply not the case. We’re not at that stage yet.”
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The update certainly gives credence to Arsenal's ability to usurp Madrid in acquiring Diomande. Just over a month remains in the transfer market and while they've added Christos Tzolis to their ranks following an impressive stint at Club Brugge, there's no doubt the opportunity to capture one of the leading attackers in world football will be a deal Arsenal chase until the window slams shut.
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Background
Arsenal's Vinicius Jr interest follows a series of recent reports suggesting the club are prepared to move if the Real Madrid star does not sign a new deal. Arsenal ready Vinicius Jr move as Arteta delivers transfer message and Arsenal explore stunning Vinicius Junior transfer as Real Madrid move approved both pointed to growing confidence at the Emirates.
Further coverage also suggested the situation could still shift quickly, with Vinicius Jr moves closer to possible Arsenal switch after Real Madrid call reporting a possible opening, while Arsenal told Real Madrid face 'obligation to sell' Vinicius Jr as Spanish media back transfer reflected Spanish media backing for a sale this window.
