Arsenal

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

There may be no more intriguing situation in the transfer landscape right now than Vinicius Jr's future.

The nature of free transfers means that Vinicius, whose current Real Madrid contract runs until 2027, could conceivably double his money next year.

With that scenario now within reach, it is safe to assume the forward will almost certainly request a significant pay increase on his current wages if he moves this summer.

Having to find what is likely to be a minimum £130m plus wages will be a hard push for any club, no matter how rich, in the era of financial regulation.

Arsenal, nevertheless, have analysed the numbers and believe they have the financial means to fund a move for Vinicius. It is understood the signing has widespread backing across the club.

In the past, Arsenal have offered players very generous image rights deals. This would be a key component of any agreement that would see Vinicius moving to the Premier League.

The winger's advisors at agency Roc Nation will be fully across the aforementioned factors.

The fact Roc Nation also represent Arsenal attacker Gabriel Martinelli - whose chances would be left severely limited by Vinicius' arrival - also makes for an intriguing sub-plot.

It is understood that Martinelli, who has up to two years left on his contract, is happy at Arsenal and will only consider leaving for an opportunity that suits him.

Effectively, the leverage is almost entirely with Vinicius.

Arsenal are unquestionably one of the most attractive projects in European football. They will be one of the favourites to lift the Champions League next season, having lost on penalties in last season's final. They are in a very strong financial position, too.

But a move to north London would require Vinicius to relinquish the sort of leverage that most players of his standing do not have during their career.

Perhaps most importantly of all, it would mean him giving up on being a Real Madrid footballer.

Is he prepared to do that? We should have the answer soon.

• Read more on Vinicius Jr's future

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Real Madrid have tried to renew Vinicius Jr's contract and opened further talks with him on Monday - but, as of yet, it has been to no avail.

His potential availability has alerted Arsenal, who are among the clubs to have internally explored exploiting the contractual impasse. Teams in Saudi Arabia are also monitoring his situation closely.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta wants to sign proven talent - and Vinicius fits the bill.

Sources close to Arsenal insist he is just one of a number of options the club are exploring in their search for a left-sided attacker after missing out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea.

However, BBC Sport understands Arteta has become so smitten with the notion of signing Vinicius that he is viewed internally as the club's number one target.

As Arsenal discovered with Rogers, there are no guarantees clubs attract their priority targets.

Indeed, Arsenal are realistic about their chances of landing Vinicius Jr. They know it is a long shot.

Similarly, there is an sense emerging from those close to Vinicius Jr that any move to Arsenal is difficult at best.

For most South American footballers, playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona is a lifelong ambition. Leaving the Spanish capital - even for a club as illustrious at Arsenal - would be viewed as, at best, a sidewards step.

With Real being arguably the biggest club on the planet, there is a sense that leaving the Bernabeu would also impact the player's commercial brand.

• Read more on the story

Arsenal have not opened talks over signing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr, but Real Madrid have set a price of 160m euros (£137m) to sell the 26-year-old this summer. (Sport - in Spanish), external

The Gunners would be willing to offer Vinicius the biggest contract in the club's history. (Mirror), external

Meanwhile, Paris St-Germain want £145m for 23-year-old France forward Bradley Barcola, with Arsenal and Liverpool interested. (Times - subscription required), external

Finally, Brazil midfielder and Arsenal target Bruno Guimaraes, 28, has told his representatives he wants his future resolved in the next week, before he reports back for Newcastle's pre-season training camp. (TeamTalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Image source, Getty Images

Christos Tzolis arrives in north London off the back of the best season of his career, but it has taken him time to show his quality.

The Greek forward struggled to make an impact during a three-year spell at Norwich City, scoring three times in 30 appearances, but rebuilt his career away from Carrow Road.

After impressing on loan in the 2023-24 season at German second-tier side Fortuna Dusseldorf, where he scored 24 goals in 35 games, he left Norwich for Club Brugge and quickly established himself as one of Belgium's most productive attacking players.

Last season, the 24-year-old was directly involved in a league-high 40 goals, scoring 17 times and providing 23 assists as Club Brugge were crowned league champions.

His influence extended beyond goals and assists. He created more chances (135) than any other player in Belgium's top flight, and also recorded the most progressive carries (359) and successful dribbles (40).

He also proved he could deliver against Europe's leading clubs, scoring against Atalanta and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, while registering an assist against Barcelona.

Predominantly a right-footed left winger, Tzolis is comfortable across the frontline and possesses quality from set-pieces.

Of the 135 chances he created in the Belgian Pro League across the 2025-26 campaign, 52 came from dead-ball situations (38.5%).

Although Leandro Trossard recorded more goal involvements in last season's Champions League for Arsenal, the Greece international produced almost twice as many chances (13 compared to seven) and completed more passes in the final third (138 compared to 80).

Image source, ARSENAL

Arsenal have released an away strip inspired by the "iconic bruised banana design", originally worn between 1991 and 1993, for the 2026-27 season.

The navy jersey is brought to life with an accent red and yellow crew-neck collar plus a yellow Arsenal crest.

It will be worn with matching navy shorts and socks, complete with red and yellow details, for a cohesive look.

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori said: "We are all looking forward to playing in this kit. We know the impact that the bruised banana has had on our supporters. You only have to see how many still wear it to understand how much it means.

"We are proud to wear something with such history attached to it. We will use that as inspiration as we continue to push ourselves forward.

"It is our turn to create our own legacy at the club."

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal are determined to strengthen their squad with high quality players this summer as they look to build on last season's title.

The north London side were interested in signing Morgan Rogers, who has joined Chelsea for £117m, from Aston Villa – but refused to go higher than their £80m valuation of the player.

It is understood the Gunners were given the opportunity to match Chelsea's offer for Rogers but declined.

Similarly, Arsenal have a hardline maximum valuation of Bruno Guimaraes, who they are set to offer £70m for, and are unwilling to overpay despite their desire to sign the Newcastle and Brazil midfielder.

Arsenal also have a major interest in Villa's England defender Ezri Konsa and have enquired about the 28-year-old's availability. Konsa is the first-choice defensive target.

The Gunners also have Como's Jacobo Ramon on a list of defenders they would like to bring in, but it is understood clauses in the Spaniard's contract make a deal difficult.

Having missed out on Rogers, Arsenal remain in the market for attacking reinforcements.

Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez is the dream target, but the player's current desire to join Barcelona and the cost - which could exceed the British record fee of £125m set when Alexander Isak moved from Newcastle to Liverpool - pose obvious difficulties.

Arsenal have also explored a move for Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.

Former Manchester City defender John Stones, 32, and 28-year-old Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa are among the targets as Arsenal look to cover for the injury to William Saliba. (Sky Sports), external

Meanwhile, the Gunners and Manchester City are among clubs in a race for Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, who previously rejected a £69m bid from Liverpool for the 19-year-old. (Bild - in German), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Following the news William Saliba is out for an "extended period" with a back injury, we asked if you think Arsenal need to dip in to the transfer market in his absence.

Here are some of your comments:

Tom: We have seen in the past that defenders, when give the opportunity, can step up in big moments - like Jakub Kiwior and Cristhian Mosquera. I would give Mosquera a chance to cover Saliba but maybe dip into the market for a replacement for him as there isn't anyone obvious after him. Maybe another young defender or a older experienced player to help in that area!

Ken: He missed games last season. No cover is needed as that would be unnecessary stockpiling. Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Christian Norgard can all play there next to Gabriel.

Paul: Surely the ideal solution would be to sign John Stones on a free? Seasoned Premier League centre-back, bags of experience and can provide cover in midfield too. Great support for younger players as well - instant credibility and respect.

MK: We have cover in the centre like Mosquera. Also think that this is a good chance for Marli Salmon to have a shot. Still, I am quite worried because Gabriel and Saliba are the rocks of our defence.

Max: Stones is a free agent, starts for England and has experience in winning titles - including the Champions League, no less. Seems perfect as a back-up and is miles better than Mosquera.

Chris: We have more than enough talent in the backline to cover with Mosquera, Jurrien Timber, White, Calafiori and Hincapie all more than capable in that centre-back role. I think we should focus more on bringing in a true full-back who can play both sides, such as Djed Spence, Lewis Hall or Livramento (if he's fit).

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal's newest signing, Christos Tzolis, says he wasn't "fully on holiday" this summer after hearing a move to the Gunners was on the cards.

The 24-year-old forward, who actually made his Premier League debut at Emirates Stadium with Norwich City, has signed a long-term contract.

He joins from Club Brugge, where he scored 22 goals and registered 29 assists in 52 appearances last season, having helped the side retain the Belgian Pro League title.

In the league alone, the Greece international created a total of 135 chances - 52 of which came from set-pieces.

"I need some time to realise [what has happened], I think!" Tzolis said. "It is absolutely amazing to sign for such a big club - the champions of England.

"When my agent said it was maybe a possibility, I was already excited. After that, it got more serious and now I'm here.

"I've already had a nice conversation with Mikel Arteta. We talked about everything - about the club, myself, his plans and the team. It was only positive things.

"I'm a direct player - I go for goals and assists. That's my point of view as an attacker and as a winger. I'm always hungry to score or to give the final pass to my team-mates. I can also say I work hard for the team in defensive moments."

Tzolis featured 13 times in the Champions League last season - including 90 minutes against Arsenal in the league phase - scoring three goals and contributing five assists in total.

"It is a very competitive team to be a part of, but I just have to enjoy it," Tzolis added. "I will need to work hard in every training session and show it on the pitch. I'm really looking forward to it.

"I had a good summer. I had 27 days of holidays, but they weren't full holidays. I worked to be ready because I heard the rumours. I said: 'I need to be in good shape and be fit.' So I worked hard during the summer."

Image source, Getty Images

We want your thoughts after it was confirmed Arsenal defender William Saliba is set to miss "an extended period" with a long-standing back injury.

The 25-year-old had carried the problem into this summer's World Cup, having made 50 appearances for Arsenal last season.

"I've had some minor niggles for several months," Saliba said in the early stages of the tournament. "I've been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League [to focus on].

"The World Cup also only comes around once every four years, so you've got to grit your teeth."

After returning to London and being seen by a specialist, it was decided the centre-back needed to start a managed recovery programme rather than have surgery on the issue.

How are you feeling about the injury update? Do Arsenal need dip into the transfer market for centre-back cover or can they cope comfortably in Saliba's absence?

Get in touch with your views here

Arsenal are edging the battle with Manchester United for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, 22 - but the England Under-21 international has concerns around how much game time he would get at the Emirates. (Mirror), external

Meanwhile, the Gunners are not ruling out the sale of Martin Odegaard and will listen to offers for their captain. (Teamtalk), external

Finally, Liverpool are confident they can beat Arsenal and Bayern Munich to 23-year-old Paris St-Germain and France forward Bradley Barcola. (Sun), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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We asked you to pick one player you would like to move on this summer and one realistic target you want Arsenal to bring in before the transfer window shuts.

Here are some of your suggestions:

Owain: As a life long Gunner, having ended our 22 years of gloom, we have to go all out with a statement window to go and win it back-to-back. With Leandro Trossard having already left for Besiktas, and Christos Tzolis signing, I'd go all out for a deadly left-sided attacker! I would also opt to move Gabriel Martinelli on and go into the market for Vini Jr or Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, or alternatively Rafael Leao of AC Milan.

Anna: In terms of who I would like to see at the club next summer, I'd love to see Nico Williams on the wing, since Morgan Rogers is no longer available. I also want Martinelli to stay due to his consistency in the Champions League, despite only scoring the one goal in the Premier League. I love this team, COYG!

Larissa: I think Nico Williams, Alex Scott and Ousmane Diomande in defence would be excellent, with Gabriel Jesus, Christian Norgaard and Fabio Vieira all leaving. I would like to see Martinelli given a chance in a more central role.

Justin: Out: Jesus - I think it's best for both the player and the club. For Jesus, it is about playing time and for Arsenal, it is to move on big wages. In: Vini Jr - Go big, Arsenal. We need to show some real intent as the champions of England and send a message to the rest of Europe.

Phill: Before Saliba's injury, I would've leaned towards selling Ben White - but I'll say Norgaard now. He hasn't had the impact we needed. Bringing in a replacement will be costly, if we want them to have an impact, but I'd go for Alex Scott of Bournemouth even though it is a tonal shift.

Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal are all plotting a move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, 28, but the Old Trafford hierarchy do not want to sell him to another English club. (The I - subscription required), external

Aston Villa's Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 33, is a target for Juventus while Arsenal are interested in Villa's 28-year-old England defender Ezri Konsa. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Bournemouth are determined to keep hold of Alex Scott, who is interesting Arsenal. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Now the dust has settled on the 2026 World Cup, you can officially review your Predictor results for the tournament.

If you played more than four rounds, BBC Sport has done a deep dive into your predictions, tournament performance and compared you to other players.

Don't worry, though, Predictor isn't stopping at international tournaments! Pre-season has kicked off and there are plenty of friendlies and European qualifiers to keep us occupied before the new season gets under way.

So how do you fancy your chances of correctly predicting the scores for our six selected matches every week?

BBC Sport has launched a new weekly Predictor game to cover the 2026-27 season, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from six fixtures from across the leagues.

There will usually be a Friday deadline and the game will also feature streaks, so make sure to build it into your weekly football habits.

Lock in your first round of predictions before Friday, 24 July here

If you're wondering how to play, here are a few easy steps:

• Click on the link above to take you to the selections page.

• For every match, you either choose a winning team or select a draw - once your prediction has been submitted you won't be able to change it, so be sure to pick carefully.

• Then wait for the results to roll in to see how you have done.

• Share your results with your friends and family.

• Every consecutive round you play adds one to your streak, but if you miss a round then your streak will reset to zero.

Mohamed Moallim
BBC Sport Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

The Premier League's financial landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. Since 2016 total summer transfer spending has risen from £1.16bn to a record £3.19bn in 2025 – an increase of almost 175%.

On the surface, that suggests transfer figures are continuing to accelerate. Headline fees, though, tell only part of the story.

Research by Kieran Maguire and colleagues at the University of Liverpool suggests some of the Premier League's earlier record signings represented even greater investments when measured against clubs' buying power at the time.

Using Premier League broadcasting revenues as an index, Alan Shearer's £15m move from Blackburn Rovers to Newcastle United in 1996 remains the league's biggest transfer relative to clubs' spending power. Rio Ferdinand's £29.1m move to Manchester United in 2002 and Juan Sebastian Veron's £28.1m arrival at Old Trafford in 2001 also rank above any of this summer's blockbuster deals.

The same model suggests Trevor Francis' £1m move from Birmingham City to Forest in 1979 – English football's first £1m transfer – would equate to about £173m in today's market.

That does not mean the fees paid for Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali were modest. Rather, it reflects how dramatically Premier League revenues have grown, allowing clubs to spend sums that would once have been unimaginable.

When Jack Grealish became Britain's first £100m footballer when joining City from Villa in 2021, the transfer marked another turning point in the evolution of the market.

Only five years later, nine-figure deals are no longer viewed as extraordinary. They have become a familiar feature of Premier League transfer windows.

The next milestone may not be far away.

While no Premier League club has yet paid £200m for a player, football's financial ceiling continues to rise and the first transfer of that magnitude no longer feels beyond the realms of possibility.

• Read more on transfer fee evolution

Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson is attracting interest from a number of overseas clubs with Benfica and Valencia among those monitoring his situation.

Nelson, 26, can leave the Emirates Stadium this summer with the attacker set to become a free agent at the end of next season.

He is understood to have turned down some Premier League interest, but is open to a move abroad this summer.

A move to Portuguese side Benfica could see Nelson reunited with their newly appointed manager Marco Silva, who has previously worked with him at Fulham.

Intriguingly, Fulham are among the English-based clubs interested in Nelson, which could see Silva go head-to-head for the winger's services just weeks after leaving Craven Cottage.

Nelson spent last season on loan at Brentford but has reported back for pre-season training with Arsenal.

With the 2026 World Cup done and dusted, the return of club football is back on everyone's minds.

Pre-season preparations are under way and we want you to have a think about Arsenal's squad.

Tell us one player you would like to move on this summer and one realistic target you want the Gunners to bring in before the transfer window shuts.

Get in touch with your picks here

Manchester United lead the chase for Roma and France midfielder Manu Kone, 25, but face competition for his signature from Arsenal. (L'Equipe - in French), external

The Gunners have also revived their interest in Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, who was part of Spain's World Cup-winning squad, with the 23-year-old believed to have a £77m release clause. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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