Vinicius Junior: Arsenal explore shock move to sign Real Madrid star as winger shortlist revealed | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta aiming high as Gunners look to add front-line reinforcements

Vinicius has 12 months remaining on his contract at Real and little progress has been made in talks over a new deal.

If an agreement is not reached, Real could decide to cash in this summer rather than losing him for free in a year’s time.

Standard Sport understands Arsenal are monitoring the situation and are interested in trying to sign the Brazilian if he does become available, with the conditions for a deal being explored.

Mikel Arteta is understood to be keen on bringing Vinicius to north London.

Vinicius Jr is fresh off the back of a disappointing World Cup campaign with Brazil

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Arsenal are in the market for a left winger and signing the 26-year-old would be a hugely exciting prospect.

However, no direct conversations have taken place with Real and a potential deal would rely on Vinicius deciding he does not want to sign a new contract in Madrid.

The Brazilian is set to return to the club for pre-season in the next week after he was given time off following the World Cup.

Arsenal are still considering several other players and a decision has not been made to prioritise Vinicius as a top target.

The Gunners are also keeping tabs on the likes of Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande, who is subject to interest from both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Alternative target: Bradley Barcola

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Midfield targets are also being explored and Bruno Guimaraes remains the priority.

However, it is understood that Newcastle remain determined not to sell and it would take a bid of at least £80million to test that stance.

A deal was confirmed earlier this week for the signing of prolific Club Brugge forward Christos Tzolis.

Arsenal officially started their pre-season on Monday.

The first group of players involved in the World Cup will return this week as the squad then travel to Spain for their first friendly against Girona.