Arsenal close in on Bruno Guimaraes as Vini Jr and Nwaneri stories heat up

Arsenal are edging closer to a deal for Bruno Guimaraes, and Newcastle appear to have already started planning for life without their captain. French outlet L'Equipe reports that Newcastle are ready to step up their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha as a replacement. The Gunners are believed to be close to agreeing a fee between €90 million and €100m for the Brazilian. Newcastle are reluctant to lose him after having already lost Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and manager Eddie Howe this summer. Nmecha came through Manchester City's academy, made three senior appearances there, and then moved to Wolfsburg in July 2021 before joining Dortmund. There is also fresh uncertainty around Ethan Nwaneri's future. RB Leipzig have joined the list of clubs tracking the 19-year-old playmaker, who endured a mixed loan spell at Marseille. Arsenal are thought to value him at €40m-€45m, although no decision has been made about whether he will be allowed to leave. Meanwhile, the potential arrival of Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid has not unsettled Christos Tzolis. The new signing plays on the same flank and told media he is not thinking about possible competition. He wants to settle quickly and show what he can bring, having already scored on his debut. TalkSPORT's Ben Jacobs reports that Vinicius has only two paths: sign a new contract with Real Madrid or move to Arsenal. The Gunners have already made an offer, according to Jacobs, and Madrid are now pushing for an answer. While Jose Mourinho reportedly wants to keep the winger at all costs, Florentino Perez is said to view it as either a renewal or a sale, with Arsenal the most likely destination.