Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are very ambitious and very active in the summer transfer market amid speculation over a move for Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior. Arsenal are said to be exploring a move for the Brazilian winger, albeit Real are adamant they do not want to sell one of their star players.Still, the Premier League champions are believed to be sounding out a move for the 26-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract. Reals signing of left-winger Yan Diomande has also fuelled speculation they may be preparing for life after Vinicius.Pressed on Vincius Junior after Arsenals 4-1 pre-season win over Girona, Arteta simply laughed off the question but did say they were plotting an ambitious summer, with only Christos TzolisandIllan Meslier arriving so far.We are very active, trying to improve and evolve the team, the Spaniard said. Thats clear. We expect to have movements in the next few weeks because we want to get better, like anybody else. You can just see the transfer market and our opponents and what they are doing. We are very ambitious with what we want to do. The margins are very small and if we want to get better, the level is going to increase. We need to increase the competition internally. We need to make sure that we identify the things we dont have in the team to have bigger margins. Thats the way we have to think. We have even more responsibility and ambition than before. We know what is ahead; we know the qualities and capacity we have to compete with any team, but we need to prove that we belong at this level [of champions] now.Arteta pleased with Tzolis debutOne left-winger already at the club impressed against Girona, with summer signing Tzolis scoring on his first appearance for the club since joining from Club Brugge.Arteta said: Im already pleased with him. First of all, the way he has adapted to the club, the team and the connection hes already generating with the boys. Youre going to love the player. [Hes] very direct. Hes got the goal between the eyes [and is] really good [at] linking up. Hes a boy who comes with so much hunger as well and wants to prove this is a dream for him. We are here to help him. Topics Arsenal F.C. Real Madrid CF Vinicius Jr Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Jose Mourinho issues extremely tired Real Madrid squad verdict: Im worried Ben Miller 1st August, 2026 Girona 1-4 Arsenal: Report, result, goals from pre season friendly Ben Miller 1st August, 2026 Girona vs Arsenal: Confirmed teams, full line ups for pre season friendly Ben Miller 1st August, 2026 Real Madrid 2-2 Fiorentina: Report, result, goals from pre season friendly Ben Miller 1st August, 2026 Girona v Arsenal: Time, where to watch, line ups, stats and preview Ben Miller 1st August, 2026 Real Madrid vs Fiorentina live: Teams and full line ups for pre season friendly Ben Miller 1st August, 2026
