Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has remained tight-lipped over growing speculation linking Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior with a move to the Premier League club, fueling further transfer rumors ahead of the close of the summer transfer window.

Speaking to reporters after Arsenal’s 4-1 pre-season victory over Girona in Spain, Arteta was asked in a light-hearted manner when Vinicius would be joining the Gunners. Instead of responding, the Spanish coach simply smiled and walked away, adding to the mystery surrounding the reported interest.

According to an ESPN report, Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing the Brazilian international. However, sources close to the player say the North London club has not yet made any formal contact with Vinicius or his representatives.

Vinicius is reportedly entering the final year of his contract with Real Madrid. If the two parties fail to reach an agreement on a new deal, the Spanish giants could be open to letting him leave rather than risk losing him for free. Arsenal are believed to be monitoring the situation closely.

Arteta also hinted that Arsenal’s transfer business is far from over.

“We are very active in the market and trying to improve and strengthen the squad,” he said. “Over the next few weeks, you will probably see more changes because, like everyone else, we want to get even better.”

He added: “If you look at the current transfer market and what our rivals are doing, you can understand that we are not going to stand still. We are very ambitious about our objectives.”

Earlier this summer, Arsenal signed Greek winger Christos Zolis from Club Brugge in a deal worth around £34 million. Zolis scored his first goal for the club during the friendly victory over Girona.

In addition to Vinicius, Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has also been strongly linked with a potential move to Arsenal during the current transfer window.