Arsenal could target Barcola after Vinicius Jr extension, with Liverpool also interested
Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, potentially challenging Liverpool’s interest in the player. This development follows Arsenal’s unsuccessful pursuit of Vinicius Jr, who recently signed a contract extension with Real Madrid.
Mikel Arteta’s side is actively seeking a new left winger, with Barcola identified as one of three primary targets. The club had made a significant bid for Vinicius Jr, and an agreement on personal terms was reportedly close before the 26-year-old committed his future to Madrid until 2032.
Arsenal’s Winger Search Continues
Following the Vinicius Jr extension, Arsenal are now exploring alternative options for the left-wing position. Besides Barcola, other players on their shortlist include Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid and Iliman Ndiaye from Everton.
Liverpool is also reportedly keen on Barcola, and some reports suggest they are further along in negotiations regarding personal terms. A potential stumbling block for Arsenal could be PSG’s valuation of the France international, who is reportedly priced at £130m, a figure that exceeds Arsenal’s own valuation.
Julian Alvarez, another player admired by Mikel Arteta, has also been linked with Barcelona, and is expected to remain in Spain. Iliman Ndiaye, the 26-year-old Senegal international, scored six goals for Everton last year and was linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League earlier in the summer. He also scored against Iraq in this summer’s World Cup.
Other Transfer Market Activities
In other transfer news, Arsenal are reportedly close to securing a £75m deal for Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle. This acquisition for the centre-midfield position is expected to reduce the team’s reliance on Declan Rice and contribute to a strong midfield lineup in the Premier League.
Earlier in the summer, Arsenal replaced Leandro Trossard, who joined Besiktas, with Greek international Christos Tzolis. Tzolis has started in the last two friendly matches for the club. However, securing another wide forward remains a priority for Arsenal, with this focus expected to intensify once the Guimaraes deal is officially announced.
Meanwhile, Barcelona reportedly submitted a bid of £38.5m for Rodri, but Manchester City is unwilling to let him leave for less than £60m. Manchester City is also said to be exploring a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, in light of Rodri’s potential move to Barcelona. Chelsea could see up to 15 players depart before the end of the summer transfer window, with 10 potentially moving on loan from Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle is looking to strengthen both left-back and right-back positions, and has reportedly enquired about 19-year-old Jorge Salinas at Racing Santander, a player also of interest to Aston Villa. In the EFL, Wrexham has reportedly made inquiries about Ipswich Town’s Alex Palmer as a potential new goalkeeper for the upcoming Championship season. In Scottish football, Celta Vigo is reportedly confident of signing Couhaib Driouech ahead of Rangers, while the SFA has called a meeting with leading clubs to discuss the future of Scottish football.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has implemented a ban on transgender women participating in competitive female matches, including internal club competitions.
The transfer window continues to generate significant speculation, with many clubs actively pursuing new signings or managing potential departures. The focus for Arsenal remains on strengthening their attacking options, particularly on the left wing, as they navigate the complexities of the transfer market.
Vinicius Jr’s contract extension with Real Madrid was announced on Thursday.
Source: skysports.com
