Arsenal latest: Vini Jr deal struck, Rice's problem emerges and Konsa development

Arsenal are closing in on a blockbuster transfer

Arsenal are edging closer to announcing Bruno Guimaraes as their newest summer signing after failing to land Vinicius Jr. The Newcastle midfielder has reportedly passed his medical with a four-year deal agreed.

He joins Christos Tzolis, Piero Hincapie and Illan Meslier as Mikel Arteta's newest additions. A number of other targets are being monitored, though the Gunners are likely to now move on from Vini Jr.

The Real Madrid winger looks set to remain in Spain after the La Liga giants have pushed forward with contract negotiations. Arteta was eager to tempt the Brazilian away from Real after talks stalled earlier in the window.

Ezri Konsa transfer battle

Liverpool are threatening to compete with Arsenal for Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa due to their significant defensive issues. Joe Gomez picked up an injury during pre-season with Jeremy Jacquet yet to step onto the pitch and Virgil van Dijk still absent following the World Cup.

The Gunners expressed interest in Konsa after William Saliba's back injury at the World Cup, though Villa's £60m valuation is believed to exceed what they are prepared to spend. The 28-year-old is a Premier League veteran and with two years remaining on his contract, he could prove a valuable signing for either Liverpool or Arsenal.

Addressing the Reds' shortage in defence, Andoni Iraola said: "With the centre-back, with the right-back situation, in terms of defensive depth, we are, I think, very thin right now so I think it's a solution that we are trying to find, yes."

Vini Jr decision made

Real Madrid are reportedly on the brink of finalising a new deal for Vini Jr, effectively extinguishing any hopes Arteta had of landing the winger. Fabrizio Romano claims the verbal agreement is in place, with the 26-year-old giving "the green light" to proceed with a contract extension.

Real manager Jose Mourinho has urged Vini to remain, indicating that he was prepared to reintegrate the winger into the squad. Speaking ahead of the Brazilian's return to pre-season training, Mourinho said: "I'm concerned about not having everyone, and I would like to have three weeks of work with the others. It's not possible.

"On Monday, Vini Jr, Brahim, and Bernardo will arrive. Little by little, until the boys who played in the World Cup semi-finals and final arrive, with the final being only Cucurella."

Declan Rice problem arises

Guimaraes' impending arrival at Arsenal could pose a significant challenge for Declan Rice. The England midfielder may find himself pushed into an unfamiliar role within the side.

Rice has been Arsenal's dependable No. 8, making 158 appearances as the club's primary creative force in midfield. However, Guimaraes occupies a similar advanced role and could push the 27-year-old into a deeper No. 6 position.

While this may present a dilemma for both players, Jay Bothroyd believes the pair are "up there" with the finest midfield partnership in the Premier League.

He said: "I do believe with Rice and Guimaraes, of all of those [Rodri and Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, Matheus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali], I would probably say, as athletes as well as football players, they would be the best partnership in terms of fitness, physicality, both boxes.

"I think tactically, Rodri and Elliot Anderson might be better, but I think definitely for the way Arsenal play, I wouldn't swap that pairing for any of the others."

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page