Arsenal are reportedly exploring a surprise move for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr, contingent on the 26-year-old Brazilian failing to extend his contract, though incoming Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is said to be opposed to letting him leave. The report is part of the BBC's regular round-up of unconfirmed transfer stories circulating across various media outlets on the Sunday before deadline activity intensifies.

Elsewhere, Arsenal are also said to be willing to break the British transfer record for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, while Inter Milan have been linked with Tottenham's Cristian Romero. Real Madrid have had an £85.4m bid for RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande rejected, with Liverpool and Manchester City also chasing the 19-year-old, and Juventus have held talks over Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. Other stories include Chelsea rejecting a third bid from Como for Trevoh Chalobah, Nottingham Forest bidding £17.5m for Feyenoord's Givairo Read, and West Ham turning down a Brentford offer for Diouf.