It’s shaping up to be a frantic few days at the Emirates. Arsenal are juggling outgoings, a blockbuster midfield signing, and arguably the most audacious transfer pursuit in Premier League history. Oh, and Manchester United are sniffing around one of their brightest academy products.
Here’s everything happening at Arsenal right now.
Man Utd Set Their Sights on Myles Lewis-Skelly
Manchester United are investigating whether they can prise Myles Lewis-Skelly away from north London, according to The Independent. Michael Carrick’s side view the 19-year-old as a long-term option at left-back.
It’s not a new interest, either. TEAMtalk reported back in May that United see Lewis-Skelly as a successor to Luke Shaw. They’re also chasing Newcastle’s Lewis Hall as an alternative.
But there’s a catch. Lewis-Skelly’s emergence in midfield during last season complicated things. He’s no longer just a promising full-back. He’s become a genuine first-team contributor in multiple positions.
Would Arsenal really sell to a direct rival? It’d be a bold move. The teenager signed a five-year contract extension with his boyhood club earlier this year. He told Arsenal’s website at the time that he wants to create a “legacy” at the club.
Sky Sports flagged the interest in their Sunday Paper Talk segment, echoing The Independent’s report. United’s recruitment chief Jason Wilcox reportedly favours versatile profiles, and Lewis-Skelly fits that brief perfectly.
Still, don’t expect Arsenal to roll out the red carpet. Losing a homegrown talent to Old Trafford would be a tough sell to fans who’ve watched him develop since the academy.
Bruno Guimaraes Closes In on £80m Move
The bigger story this weekend? Arsenal have agreed an £80 million deal for Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, per The Times. The fee reportedly breaks down as £70 million upfront plus £10 million in add-ons.
The Brazilian is expected to undergo his medical on Monday and sign a five-year contract. Fabrizio Romano confirmed on his YouTube channel that the deal is “really, really getting closer.”
This one’s been brewing all summer. Guimaraes had delayed his return to Newcastle’s pre-season camp while talks progressed. And with Eddie Howe’s sudden resignation last week, the Magpies have been plunged into chaos.
Newcastle have lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, Sandro Tonali to Spurs, and now their captain. It’s been a brutal window on Tyneside.
Making room for Guimaraes is Christian Norgaard. The 32-year-old Dane is heading to Everton for roughly £7 million, as reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein. He made just one Premier League start during his single season at Arsenal.
Arteta isn’t hiding his ambition, either. After Saturday’s pre-season win over Girona, the Spaniard told reporters:
“We are really active, trying to improve and evolve the team. We expect to have movements in the next few weeks. The transfer market and our opponents, what we are doing, we won’t sit still.”
The Vinicius Jr Saga Rumbles On
Then there’s the headline that won’t go away. Arsenal have reportedly agreed personal terms in principle with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
It sounds almost unbelievable. But multiple outlets, including The Independent, confirmed that the Gunners have tabled what’s being described as a “monstrous offer” for the 26-year-old.
Here’s the reality, though. Vinicius would still prefer to stay at the Bernabeu. His contract runs until 2027, and Real Madrid’s new manager Jose Mourinho doesn’t want to lose him.
The sticking point? Real have refused to improve their contract offer. That’s given Arsenal a narrow window of opportunity. If Madrid won’t budge, selling now avoids the risk of losing Vinicius for nothing next summer.
It remains the longest of long shots. But the fact Arsenal are even at the table speaks volumes about where this club sees itself.
With Guimaraes all but done, Norgaard heading out, and Vinicius Jr talks alive, the reigning Premier League champions aren’t standing still. Whether Man Utd can lure Lewis-Skelly away is another question entirely, but one thing’s clear: Arsenal’s summer is far from over.
