Arsenal latest: World Cup star eyed as Vinicius Jr alternative with three transfers lined up

Arsenal have been linked with a number of high-profile signings

The final weeks of the summer transfer window are fast approaching, and Arsenal are wasting little time.

While Mikel Arteta's men were busy on the pitch against Girona in a pre-season friendly on Saturday evening, it was the activity happening behind the scenes that truly captured the imagination of fans.

The Gunners have emerged as frontrunners for several high-profile names, with Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior the headline act. Landing the Los Blancos talisman would mark a genuine statement of intent from sporting director Andrea Berta, who has been given the financial muscle to push through a deal for the forward.

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Vinicius transfer repeat

The rumoured links to Vinicius appeared to come from nowhere last weekend. Yet Berta is understood to have been monitoring the 26-year-old winger's contract situation for some considerable time before making his move, having witnessed Vinicius enter the final year of his deal.

Arsenal are now reportedly weighing up whether to deploy a similar tactic in their pursuit of another forward — Barcelona's Ferran Torres — who is likewise set to become a free agent next summer, as things currently stand.

Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo claims the Gunners have made enquiries regarding the Spain forward, who scored the decisive goal in the World Cup final last month. Barcelona are keen to tie Torres down to a new deal, with his contract due to expire in June of next year.

However, talks have yet to yield an agreement, piling pressure on Barcelona to cash in rather than risk losing the 26-year-old for nothing next summer. Much like the Vinicius situation, this plays squarely into Arsenal's hands, allowing them to table a reduced transfer fee.

Torres is capable of operating on either flank or through the centre, and his versatility makes this an enticing piece of potential business.

Arteta’s three next signings

Arsenal are reportedly targeting three more signings this summer. The Athletic revealed on Saturday that Vinicius sits at the top of Arteta's wishlist to bolster the attack.

An agreement between the Brazilian and Arsenal is expected to be found on personal terms if Real Madrid fall short of matching his demands and the forward opts against extending his contract at the Bernabeu. The report also indicates that, regardless of whether Vinicius puts pen to paper, the north Londoners intend to recruit a new left winger before the window closes.

Arsenal are also expected to pursue a new midfielder, understood to be Bruno Guimaraes, after reportedly reaching an agreement with Newcastle. Meanwhile, The Athletic reports that a central defender is also being targeted in a bid to provide cover for the injured William Saliba over the coming months.