Arsenal are considering a move for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, in what would be a major transfer statement from the Premier League champions.
Vinicius has 12 months remaining on his contract at Real and little progress has been made in talks over a new deal.
If an agreement is not reached, Real could decide to cash in this summer rather than losing him for free in a year’s time.
Standard Sport understands Arsenal are monitoring the situation and are interested in trying to sign the Brazilian if he does become available, with the conditions for a deal being explored.
Mikel Arteta is understood to be keen on bringing Vinicius to north London.
Arsenal are in the market for a left winger and signing the 26-year-old would be a hugely exciting prospect.
However, no direct conversations have taken place with Real and a potential deal would rely on Vinicius deciding he does not want to sign a new contract in Madrid.
The Brazilian is set to return to the club for pre-season in the next week after he was given time off following the World Cup.
Arsenal are still considering several other players and a decision has not been made to prioritise Vinicius as a top target.
The Gunners are also keeping tabs on the likes of Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande, who is subject to interest from both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Midfield targets are also being explored and Bruno Guimaraes remains the priority.
However, it is understood that Newcastle remain determined not to sell and it would take a bid of at least £80million to test that stance.
A deal was confirmed earlier this week for the signing of prolific Club Brugge forward Christos Tzolis.
Arsenal officially started their pre-season on Monday.
The first group of players involved in the World Cup will return this week as the squad then travel to Spain for their first friendly against Girona.
