Arteta on Vinicius and Reinforcements: 'We Won't Just Watch'
Arsenal's manager confirmed the club is actively working on bringing in new players, with Vinicius Junior and Bruno Guimaraes mentioned among the targets.
Arsenal's manager confirmed the club is actively working on bringing in new players, with Vinicius Junior and Bruno Guimaraes mentioned among the targets.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta responded to numerous transfer speculations following a convincing 4:1 victory over Girona in a preseason match on August 2, 2026. Although he declined to comment on specific names, he confirmed that the club does not intend to stand still in the market.
According to Tportal, among the players linked with Arsenal in recent days are Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior and Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Arteta admitted at a press conference that the club is very active.
"We are active and trying to improve and develop the team. That's clear. In the coming weeks, we expect certain movements because we want to be better, just like everyone else," Arteta told Tportal.
Arsenal won their first league title in 22 years last season, but Arteta is aware that defending the title will be even harder. Tottenham, Manchester City, and Chelsea have already been very active in the transfer window, and the Spanish tactician says his club will respond.
"Just look at the market and what our rivals are doing. We won't just watch. We are very ambitious in what we want to do," Arteta said.
"The margins are very small. We want to be better, and the level of competition will rise further. We must increase competition within the squad and identify what we lack to create a greater advantage. That's how we have to think."
The London club has already brought in goalkeeper Illan Meslier and winger Christos Tzolis this summer, while the transfer of Piero Hincapie became permanent after he spent last season on loan. Arteta's words, however, suggest that the business at the Emirates is not finished.
Special attention is focused on the situation with Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian forward's long-term future with Real Madrid has not yet been settled, and Arsenal is publicly mentioned as a potential club that could seize an opportunity. Although there is no confirmation of his arrival, Arteta's message clearly shows that the English champions are considering major reinforcements.
