Premier League champions Arsenal are making a bombshell play for Brazilian and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.
Meanwhile, a Socceroos star is set to break the Australian transfer record – but he might only hold it for a few days.
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According to reports, the Gunners are seeking a superstar signing during the transfer window, to further bolster their stocks after winning the league for the first time in 22 years.
Sky Sports and The Athletic have claimed the star winger is at the top of their wish list, having been outbid by Chelsea for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
Should it go through, it would be one of the biggest transfers in Premier League history.
New Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is loath to let any of the team’s stars depart, having already told the board Vinicius is a key player in his plans for the club.
However, complicating matters, the 26-year old’s contract expires at the end of next season, with negotiations stalling after months of back and forth.
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Should no deal be done before the end of June next year, the Brazilian could exit the club on a free transfer – a dire situation for the Spanish giants.
Sky Sports scribe Peter Smith described the signing as potentially “jaw-dropping” – if the Gunners can secure it.
“It’s a thrilling thought for Arsenal fans and neutrals on these shores – but a worrying one for the Gunners’ title rivals,” Smith wrote.
It has been reported that money is central to Vininicus’ contract talks, with Real Madrid’s offer of 20 million euros well short of his desired 30 million.
“It’s hard to imagine Arsenal or anybody in the Premier League matching those sums of money,” former English football journeyman Terry Gibson told Sky Sports.
Vinicius’ relationship with Mourinho could be another spanner in the works, with the celebrated manager at the centre of controversy while at prior club Benfica following an ugly Champions League incident with the star.
Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni allegedly racially abused Vinicius during Real Madrid’s playoff win in February, covering his mouth with his shirt as he did so.
The incident prompted a rule change for the 2026 FIFA World Cup allowing referees to red-card players for covering their mouths during exchanges with fellow players or officials, dubbed the ‘Vinicius Rule’.
Mourinho, however, staunchly defended Prestianni in the aftermath.
“They [Vinicius and Prestianni] told me different things,” he said.
“But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be an independent.
“There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium – a stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens, always.”
However, it has been reported that manager and player have been in contact and are keen to start afresh when La Liga returns.
Vinicius scored 22 goals for Real Madrid last La Liga season, only for the team to finish without a major trophy.
Club great Xabi Alonso, who himself had a strained relationship with the Brazilian, departed as manager after a 3-2 loss to rivals Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final in January.
According to reports, the Gunners are yet to make formal contact with Los Blancos to begin negotiations.
Real Madrid have been linked to RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande as a potential replacement should Vinicius depart.
RECORD LOOMS FOR SOCCEROOS STAR
Australian defender Alessandro Circati is set to force a record transfer fee amid interest in luring him from Serie A club Parma.
The Socceroos star, who impressed at the World Cup, is reportedly valued at up to $32 million.
Circati’s father and co-agent Gianfranco told football360.com.au that the market is “buzzing”.
“You must remember that Ale has a contract until 2029 and is very happy where he is, so we’re not in a hurry,” he said.
“It’s really up to Parma whether they want to keep him or sell him … there have been some talks.”
The Italian-born defender is settled and happy at Parma, but Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid are among the parties keen on winning him over.
Should that $32 million figure eventuate, it would top the Australian record $28 million transfer fee Leicester City paid for fellow Socceroo Harry Souttar in 2022.
However, that high water mark may only last for a matter of days, with negotiations underway between Watford and Portugal’s Sporting CP for Nestory Irankunda.
A $32 million offer from the latter for the young sensation was rejected.