Five players Arsenal could sign imminently as Vinicius Jr transfer gets green light

Arsenal need to make up for lost time after a disappointing start to the transfer window. The Gunners were expected to begin their staunch defence of the Premier League title in the summer and welcome some big names to the Emirates Stadium, but Andrea Berta is yet to upgrade Mikel Arteta's starting lineup.

Back in May, following the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, the Arsenal boss voiced his desire to reach 'another level'. Speaking to reporters, Arteta said: "First of all, I will take a few days with my family, and then we will start the process to review what we have done.

"We will have to start making some very important decisions if we want to reach another level. We are going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it is going to demand us to be very ambitious, very fast and very smart."

Despite ambitions to significantly bolster the squad, Berta has so far only managed to activate the option to sign Piero Hincapie permanently, secure the signature of Illan Meslier, and wrap up a deal for Christos Tzolis.

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With the first pre-season friendly on Saturday and the new Premier League season less than a month away, the Arsenal sporting director will be under immense pressure to get players through the door next week.

So, with that being said, football.london has looked at five players who the Gunners could sign as Berta looks to make up for lost time.

Bruno Guimaraes

football.london understands that Arsenal are interested in signing Bruno Guimaraes, whose contract at St. James' Park expires in June 2028. The 28-year-old midfielder has made Newcastle United aware of his desire to leave, with the Emirates Stadium said to be his favoured destination.

It's understood that, unlike Alexander Isak, who went on strike last summer, Guimaraes is unwilling to force an exit. The Gunners floated a £45m verbal offer at the start of the transfer window, but they were immediately shut down by the Magpies.

Vinicius Jr

football.london understands that Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid. Los Blancos don't want to lose the 26-year-old winger, whose contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires next year.

As it stands, it remains to be seen whether or not the Gunners formalise their interest and submit a bid for Vinicius Jr, but he's certainly viewed as someone who could significantly upgrade the frontline and help to defend the Premier League crown.

Bradley Barcola

football.london understands that Arsenal are also interested in signing Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. Arteta wants to bolster his frontline this summer, so the 23-year-old winger, who has just two years left on his deal in the French capital, has been mooted as a potential option.

Ezri Konsa

football.london understands that Ezri Konsa is appreciated by higher-ups at the Emirates Stadium. Aston Villa are thought to want at least £50m for the 28-year-old defender, which is far from the valuation in north London.

John Stones

John Stones has been heavily linked with a move to several Premier League clubs following his departure from Manchester City at the end of last season. The 32-year-old defender, who's available to sign on a free transfer, caught the eye for England at the World Cup, proving that he's still more than capable of performing at the very highest level when fit.

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