Vinicius Jr vs Bayern Munich
Vinicius Jr vs Bayern Munich
Arsenal are plotting a stunning move for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior but are seemingly putting contingency plans in place if they fail to land the Brazilian.
Vinicius has emerged as the Gunners' top target to bolster Mikel Arteta's attack amid a contract stand-off with Madrid. He has a year left on his current deal and has failed to agree on a new one with the La Liga giants.
Los Blancos are believed to have told Vinicius that they will look to sell him if he doesn't extend his contract. That has put the Gunners on alert, and a move for the 26-year-old has been 'approved at all levels internally'.
Vinicius' preference is to remain at the Estadio Bernabeu and the terms of a new contract are the only obstacle standing in his way. The Premier League champions are thus looking at an alternative should they miss out on the forward.
Arsenal to Pivot to Liverpool-Linked Barcola
REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
Arsenal were linked with Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola earlier this summer but talk of Vinicius had seemed to rule out a move for the Frenchman. That came to Liverpool's advantage, and they are reportedly frontrunners to land the winger.
According to Alex Crook of talkSPORT, the Gunners are likely to pivot to Barcola if they are unable to bring Vinicius to the Emirates. His preference is currently Anfield but joining Arteta's side is also appealing.
Barcola has rejected contract offers from PSG and is seemingly eyeing an exit this summer. The 23-year-old has been unable to secure a regular starting berth in Luis Enrique's attack due to the star-studded forward options at the club.
If Arsenal are to turn to Barcola, they not only have to see off competition from Liverpool, who are at the front of the queue. They may also have to fork out £140 million, a fee the Parisians are demanding for the former Lyon star, per SunSport.
Arsenal Need Vinicius Resolution Quickly
REUTERS/Paul Childs
Barcola is the best option for Arsenal should they miss out on Vinicius, and he'd be an exciting addition to Arteta's squad. A pacey, tricky and confident winger, he is one of France's most talented attackers.
The main problem the Gunners have is that they may be in a race against time, with Liverpool pursuing a deal for the PSG star. By the time they learn of the outcome of Vinicius' contract saga, he might have already committed to a move to Anfield.
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta
The Merseyside outfit's interest stretches back to last summer when Fabrizio Romano reported that they viewed him as a 'world-class player' but didn't make a move. This time, Andoni Iraola's Reds are pushing ahead with efforts to sign him, and that highlights why they are in the strongest position to secure his signature.