Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal’s shock move for Vinicius Jr hits hurdle, Man Utd close in on midfielder

CloseArsenal are plotting an audacious move for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr and want to sign the Brazil winger this summer. The Premier League champions are in contact with Real Madrid over the move for the 26-year-old, who has just one more year on his contract, but incoming boss at the Bernabeu, Jose Mourinho, would need to sanction the transfer. It could be a busy few weeks for Mikel Arteta’s side as they also look to sign Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes and add another centre-back, with England internationals Ezri Konsa and John Stones both of interest.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe confirmed that he wants to keep Guimaraes, but added that his future at the club is out of his control. Elsewhere, Manchester United are still interested in adding another midfielder and have “reached an agreement in principle” with France international Manu Kone, according to reports in Italy. Aurelien Tchouameni remains a target, too.

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has set out his targets for the transfer window and has confirmed the Reds “definitely need to sign a winger”. Liverpool have now reportedly turned their attention towards Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, who is also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain, while PSG’s Bradley Barcola is also still a target. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and reports with our live blog below:RecommendedArsenal consider two centre-backs as cover for William Saliba after major injury blowAlvarez, Barcola and 10 huge Premier League transfers that could happen this summerElliot Anderson seals Man City move – and takes swipe at Manchester UnitedJose Mourinho 'would oppose' Vinicius Jr's move to Arsenal Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho does not want to sell Vinicius Jr and wants the superstar winger to line up in attack with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham next season, according to The Telegraph.

Arsenal are in the early stages of exploring a move for the 26-year-old Brazil international, who has one year left on his contract. Mourinho was controversially reappointed as Real Madrid manager this summer. Mourinho was criticised for comments he made after Vinicius accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him during a Champions League tie in February.

However, Mourinho is set to tell Real Madrid president Florentino Perez that he wants to keep Vinicius and does not believe there will be a problem in their relationship once he takes charge. Mourinho, Benfica manager at the time, said “something happens, always” in matches where Vinicius plays (Getty)Jamie Braidwood26 July 2026 08:27Leeds chasing Julian BrandtFree agent Julian Brandt is garnering interest from Leeds following his departure from Borussia Dortmund.The 30-year-old midfielder is also being pursued by Ajax but Sky Sports News are reporting that he is understood to prefer a move to Elland Road because he is fascinated by the idea of playing in the Premier League.

Brandt would also be interested in a move to Serie A should a concrete proposal materialise soon.Julian Brandt left Borussia Dortmund (Getty)Luke Baker26 July 2026 07:30Arsenal eyeing shock deal for Real Madrid star Vinicius JrA reminder of the big news that broke yesterday - Arsenal are keen to buy Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid.The Gunners are exploring a blockbuster move for the Brazilian superstar and the idea has reportedly been approved by the club’s hierarchy.

There has been no club-to-club contact with Real Madrid yet, however.It is unclear what Vinicius makes of the idea of joining the Premier League champions, and indeed leaving Madrid, although Jose Mourinho coming in as Real boss does complicate matters for the 26-year-old, who only has one year left on his contract.Arsenal eyeing shock deal for Real Madrid star Vinicius JrVinicius is one of the biggest stars in world football but Jose Mourinho’s return to manage Real Madrid has put his future up in the airLuke Baker26 July 2026 06:27Kane ready to begin Bayern contract talks.

Harry Kane will begin contract talks with Bayern Munich when he returns from his summer holidayThat’s according to Sky Sports News, who say that Kane is garnering interest from Barcelona but is very happy in Germany.Kane’s deal expires at the end of the 2026/27 season and the England captain is said to be very relaxed about the situation but Bayern are keen to start negotiations given the interest surrounding him.Bayern are keen to keep Harry Kane (PA Wire)Luke Baker26 July 2026 05:33DONE DEAL: Jack Harrison leaves Leeds for MLSWinger Jack Harrison has left Leeds to join MLS side New England Revolution on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Harrison began his career in the MLS with New York City in the 2016-17 season before earning a move to sister club Man City and has also had loan spells at Everton and Fiorentina.The 29-year-old joins as one of the Revolution’s designated players.Luke Baker26 July 2026 04:28Inter confirm Romero interestCristian Romero has seemed like a good candidate to leave Tottenham this summer