Arsenal ready to make Vinicius Junior highest-paid player in club history in blockbuster summer pursuit

Arsenal are prepared to go all-in on Vinicius Junior, with plans to offer the Real Madrid superstar the largest salary ever handed out by the club in an attempt to lure him to north London this summer. According to media Sport, the Gunners are willing to significantly improve the Brazilian's current terms - believed to be in excess of €500,000 per week - and do not view financial constraints as an obstacle. Vinicius, 26, is entering the final year of his contract at the Santiago Bernabéu, and negotiations over an extension have stalled over wage demands. Real Madrid have not yet received a formal bid from Arsenal, but the Spanish giants could be forced to consider selling rather than risk losing the forward for nothing in 2027. Manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly "firmly against" the departure, though the club's hierarchy may overrule him if a suitable offer arrives. Meanwhile, Arsenal's hopes of signing Bradley Barcola appear to be fading. The Paris Saint-Germain winger has two years remaining on his deal and has refused to sign a new contract. PSG have slapped a €170 million price tag on the 23-year-old. Neither Liverpool nor Arsenal have made a serious move yet, but Liverpool have placed Barcola at the top of their list to replace Mohamed Salah, leaving Arsenal at risk of missing out. However, reports that Real Madrid are closing in on RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande could complicate matters and potentially keep Barcola in Paris. Bruno Guimaraes has reportedly issued an ultimatum to both Arsenal and Newcastle United, demanding that his future be resolved before he reports for pre-season training next week. The 28-year-old midfielder is eager to join the Gunners, but Arsenal have yet to lodge a formal approach. Newcastle are holding out for a fee in excess of €100 million, while Arsenal have proposed around €80 million. Personal terms are already agreed with the player, but Guimaraes is not threatening to go on strike - instead, he has urged Arsenal to accelerate talks and move closer to Newcastle's valuation. The Magpies expect him back for training on 31 July. In other news, Arsenal have secured a deal for Cardiff City teenage sensation Axel Donczew, according to insider. The 16-year-old, who became Cardiff's youngest ever player in the EFL Trophy in October 2025, has already completed his medical. Donczew can operate as an attacking midfielder or out wide and has represented Wales at every youth level from U15 to U19, though he is also eligible to play for Poland.