Arsenal have made an initial inquiry about signing Vinícius Júnior from Real Madrid, as Mikel Arteta looks for a high-profile addition after the club’s first Premier League title in more than 20 years. The potential move remains at an early stage, but could become more plausible because the Brazilian forward has only one year left on his Madrid contract and his future is uncertain following José Mourinho’s return.

Vinícius, 26, scored 22 goals for Real Madrid last season and four for Brazil at the World Cup. Arsenal have already signed Christos Tzolis for £34m, while their interest in Morgan Rogers ended after Chelsea agreed a British-record £117m deal; Julián Álvarez, Yan Diomande, Bradley Barcola and Bruno Guimarães are also reported targets.