Arteta refuses to discuss Arsenal links with Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal expect to be active in the transfer market but has declined to comment on reports linking the club with Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior and Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez.

The Arsenal manager was speaking after his side’s friendly victory over Girona on Sunday, when he confirmed that the club was working to strengthen and improve the squad ahead of the new season.

“We are working hard to improve and develop the team,” said Arteta.

He added: “We expect things to happen in the coming weeks. We have great ambition and we want to become better.”

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Vinicius Junior after reports that the Brazil international has rejected Real Madrid’s proposed terms for a new contract. His current deal with the Spanish club expires in the summer of 2027, a situation which has led to growing speculation about his future.

Asked whether Arsenal could sign Vinicius Junior, Arteta refused to discuss the possibility.

“I will not talk about a player who does not belong to our team,” he said.

Arteta adopted the same position when questioned about Julian Alvarez, who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal during the summer transfer window.

“I will not talk about a player who is not in our squad,” he said.

The manager was more direct when asked about the future of Viktor Gyokeres, whose position at the club had also been the subject of discussion.

“Gyokeres will stay with us,” Arteta said.

Reports have connected Arsenal with both Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez as the club looks to build on a successful previous campaign. Arsenal won the Premier League title last season and reached the UEFA Champions League final, although they were beaten in the final.

The uncertainty surrounding Vinicius Junior has intensified amid Real Madrid’s reported interest in signing Yan Diomande, the RB Leipzig winger, during the current summer transfer window.

Vinicius Junior remains a Real Madrid player, but the length of time remaining on his contract and the club’s interest in adding another wide player have fuelled further questions over what lies ahead for the Brazil forward.

Arteta, however, offered no indication that either Vinicius Junior or Julian Alvarez is close to joining Arsenal. Instead, he focused on the club’s wider ambition to strengthen the team in the weeks ahead, while making clear that Viktor Gyokeres is expected to remain part of his plans.