Mikel Arteta directly pressed on Vinicius Jr before ending Arsenal press conference suddenly

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refused to be drawn on whether the Gunners will secure the signing of Vinicius Junior this summer — abruptly bringing his post-match press conference to a close after being quizzed about the Brazilian star .

Arteta's side are understood to be weighing up a move for the Real Madrid winger, with the 26-year-old seen as a prime candidate to bolster Arsenal's left flank — widely regarded as a vulnerability in their attack — as they look to cement their position as Premier League champions.

Vinicius Jr. netted 22 goals and provided 14 assists in 53 appearances for Los Blancos last season — despite the Spanish giants enduring a disappointing campaign. With negotiations over a contract extension at the Santiago Bernabeu having reportedly hit a wall, it could represent a golden opportunity for the Gunners to land one of football's most electrifying attacking talents.

Arteta was asked about a potential deal for the very first time following Arsenal's 4-1 pre-season friendly victory over Girona on Saturday.

When pressed on whether supporters could expect further additions to the squad before the new season gets underway, he said: "Well, we are really active, trying to improve and evolve the team. That's clear.

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"We expect to have movements in the next few weeks, obviously, because we want to get better like anybody else. And you can just see it.

"The transfer market and our opponents, what we are doing, we won't sit still. And we are very ambitious in what we want to do."

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The Spaniard was subsequently asked, in the final question, whether Vinicius Jr. would be arriving.

"Thank you so much," the 44-year-old responded with a smirk before departing.

Recent reports from Spanish outlet Marca suggest that Jose Mourinho's outfit have tabled a final offer to the Brazil international.

It is understood that no further salary enhancements or additional rounds of talks are expected, and should he turn down the proposal, Madrid will seek to cash in this summer.

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Real's hierarchy have reportedly knocked back his demands to be placed on a par with their top earner, Kylian Mbappe. Mourinho - who returned to the Bernabeu earlier this summer - is believed to have personally told the winger that he wants him to remain.

However, the coming days will prove crucial and football.london understands that while Arteta's side have growing confidence, the final call rests with Vinicius Jr.