Arsenal latest: Mikel Arteta drops massive transfer hint as Vinicius Jr update emerges

It's shaping up to be a fascinating final few weeks of the transfer window for Arsenal, who have their eye on several high-profile additions

Arsenal's transfer window has lacked the fireworks many fans anticipated so far, but there is growing belief that the club's recruitment drive is finally gathering pace. While several of their Premier League rivals have splashed out heavily in recent weeks, the Gunners have remained relatively patient, preferring to focus on carefully selected additions rather than rushing into deals.

So far, Mikel Arteta has welcomed just one major signing, with Christos Tzolis arriving from Club Brugge in a £34million move after impressing in Belgium. Arsenal have also strengthened in other areas, turning Piero Hincapie's temporary spell into a permanent transfer by activating the defender's £34.5m purchase option, while former Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier joined on a free after his contract expired.

Even with those additions, supporters have continued to wait for the headline-grabbing arrival many expected before Arsenal embark on their first Premier League title defence in over two decades. That wait may not last much longer, though.

They are closing in on a deal to sign Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, while speculation surrounding an ambitious move for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr refuses to disappear. But as talks continue behind the scenes, fresh developments have emerged. With that in mind, here are the latest Arsenal-related transfer headlines.

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Real Madrid issue Vinicius Jr update

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has revealed Vinicius Jr is expected back in training with the rest of the squad on Monday, despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the winger's future.

The Brazil international is still yet to agree fresh terms with the Spanish champions and, with less than 12 months left on his existing contract, uncertainty over his future continues to grow.

Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the situation and are prepared to offer Vinicius Jr an escape route from the Bernabeu if negotiations eventually break down. For now, though, the 26-year-old is not expected to push for an exit.

"On Monday, Vini Jr, Brahim, and Bernardo will arrive," Mourinho told Real Madrid's official website. "I'm concerned about not having everyone, and I would like to have three weeks of work with the others. It's not possible."

Negotiations over an extension are continuing, with both Real Madrid and the player still hopeful of striking a deal. But discussions have stalled in recent weeks and, should that situation remain unchanged, Arsenal are expected to be ready to make their move.

Arteta drops major transfer hint

Mikel Arteta has suggested Arsenal are gearing up for an active finish to the summer window, admitting the club have "very ambitious" plans while telling fans to "expect movements" in the coming weeks.

Although Arsenal have taken a cautious approach to recruitment, the rest of the Premier League's 'Big Six' have already spent close to £850m on fresh talent. Arteta, however, has indicated his side will not remain on the sidelines for much longer.

"We are already active and trying to improve on and evolve the team. That is clear," he said. "We expect to have movements in the next few weeks. Obviously we want to get better like anyone else and you can see the transfer market, and our opponents, what we are doing. We won't sit still and we are very ambitious with where we want to go."

Arteta was unwilling to comment directly on reports linking Arsenal with Vinicius Jr, instead offering a wry smile before replying with a brief "thank you" when asked about the Real Madrid star.

The Arsenal manager also emphasised the need to improve competition throughout the squad, insisting the club must continue raising standards by adding quality and addressing any remaining shortcomings before the season gets under way.

"The margins are very small, we want to get better and the level is going to increase," he said. "We need to increase the competition internally. We need to make sure we identify the things that we don’t have in the team, to have bigger margins. That's the way we have to think."