Arsenal's stance on hijacking Liverpool's Bradley Barcola transfer has been outlined after its failure to prise Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid, with the Brazilian signing a new deal
Bradley Barcola is being linked with Liverpool
Bradley Barcola is being linked with Liverpool(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Arsenal will not be signing Vinicius Jr. this summer because he has penned a new deal with Real Madrid, with the Gunners now set to pivot to other targets.
With Bradley Barcola one of the few elite wingers likely to be realistically attainable on the market this summer, and with no agreement yet in place for him to move to Liverpool, it makes sense that he might be one considered.
But according to The Independent, there is an acknowledgment from Arsenal that even though it might have an interest in the 23-year-old, Liverpool is much further along the line regarding a transfer move, including on things like personal terms.
Alongside Barcola, Arsenal also holds an interest in Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid, though he seems more likely to stay in Spain.
The ex-Manchester City forward was the subject of a bid from Real Madrid earlier in the window, and Barcelona is also very keen on the Argentine should he be allowed to leave for less than his release clause.
Everton attacking midfielder Iliman Ndiaye is another option for Arsenal. He has been the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia, though he remains at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the time being.
Vinicius Jr. is staying at Real Madrid
Vinicius Jr. is staying at Real Madrid(Image: (Photo by Antonio Pozo / Pressinphoto / Icon Sport))
Regarding Barcola, Arsenal is said to be put off by the asking price, which is well above $150M as things stand.
Liverpool appears to be the likeliest destination for him should a fee be agreed.
Arsenal has already signed Christos Tzolis this summer as a replacement for Leandro Trossard, who joined Besiktas. Mikel Arteta, though, wants another elite option on his roster.
Yesterday, Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the signing of Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco. It is also in for Mika Godts of Ajax.
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Should both of those deals go through, it is likely that the Ligue 1 champions would be more amenable to letting Barcola, who is under contract until 2028, depart.
Liverpool.com says: Arsenal moving for Barcola does feel like a move that makes sense. If he does move this summer, though, the Reds need to ensure that they win the race.
Adding Barcola to the likes of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz would be transformational in attack. And, of course, at the moment, Liverpool simply doesn't have enough options.