Arsenal latest: Mikel Arteta's private Vinicius Jr chat as Gunners transfer bid rejected

Mikel Arteta has reportedly made direct contact with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior

The second half of the summer transfer window is shaping up to be a busy one for Arsenal, who have shifted into another gear in their pursuit of several key targets.

Ever since the Gunners suffered heartbreak in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain back in May, Mikel Arteta has made no secret of his desire to strengthen the squad - most notably in attacking positions.

The English champions' business earlier in the window was relatively understated. Piero Hincapie completed his permanent £34.5million switch to the club, while Illan Meslier arrived as a back-up goalkeeper on a free transfer. More recently, Christos Tzolis was brought in for £34m to fill the void left by the departing Leandro Trossard - and the Greek winger wasted no time in making his mark with a debut goal against Girona last Saturday.

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With the 2026/27 season drawing ever closer - Arsenal begin their campaign with a Community Shield clash against Manchester City on August 16 - sporting director Andrea Berta is expected to step up his efforts. The club are in the market for a defender, a midfielder and a forward, and at the top of that wish-list is Vinicius Junior.

Arteta's private Vinicius Jr chat

Arteta has reportedly assumed control of Arsenal's pursuit of Vinicius by personally speaking with the Brazilian winger over the phone. The Gunners manager, according to Spanish outlet AS, has informed Vinicius he will build the entire Arsenal project around the 26-year-old, should he join this summer.

It emerged last month that all senior figures at Arsenal had decided to pursue the Real Madrid forward, authorising the move despite the substantial cost of reaching an agreement. Despite Vinicius' contract expiring next summer, a fee of around £130m has been mooted in order to persuade Los Blancos to part ways with the two-time Champions League winner.

Real Madrid are intent on keeping Vinicius, but would be prepared to sanction his sale should he refuse to put pen to paper on a new deal. Reports suggest the Spanish giants are unwilling to revise their latest contract proposal, with the club firmly of the belief that the ball is now in the player's court.

It has previously been suggested that Vinicius is in no particular hurry to commit his future to the club, though new manager Jose Mourinho was reportedly willing to intervene personally in an effort to hold on to his talisman.

First Bruno Guimaraes bid rejected

However, Arsenal are expected to return with an improved bid for the 28-year-old, whose deal runs until June 2028. Guimaraes has become Arteta's most urgent priority in recent weeks and has reportedly already agreed personal terms with the north Londoners.

The Brazilian has also communicated his wish to depart to Newcastle, with the Premier League champions understood to be his preferred next club. It is believed that Guimaraes is unwilling to force through a move, however.

Arsenal had put forward a £45m verbal offer at the beginning of the transfer window which was swiftly turned down by the Magpies.