ARSENAL could look to hijack Liverpool’s swoop for Bradley Barcola after missing out on Vinicius Jr.
The Gunners had been plotting a blockbuster move for the Real Madrid winger, only for him to pen a new six-year deal at the Bernabeu.
Bradley Barcola could be on the move this summer Credit: Getty
Vinicius Jr has opted to stay at Real Madrid instead of joining Arsenal Credit: Getty
Arsenal chiefs were committed to completing a big-money transfer for the Brazilian, who had one year remaining on his previous contract.
But Vinicius Jr instead opted to sign a new £480,000-a-week extension to stay put, ruling the Gunners out of the race.
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Mikel Arteta‘s side remain desperate to land a new left winger, particularly after letting Leandro Trossard join Besiktas.
According to the Independent, Barcola is an “attractive option” for the Gunners.
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But they will have to play “catch up” to Liverpool, who have already been negotiating personal terms.
The Reds are eager to land the Paris Saint-Germain winger as they seek a new star winger following Mo Salah’s departure.
Andoni Iraola‘s side have identified Barcola as a key target and have been working on the transfer for weeks.
But PSG’s asking price remains a stumbling block for all interested suitors, with Luis Enrique‘s men said to be demanding around £130million.
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Barcola, 23, has played 152 times for the French giants since joining from Lyon in 2023, scoring 39 goals and contributing towards two Champions Leagues and three Ligue 1 titles.
The winger came on as an 83rd minute substitute as PSG beat Arsenal in last season’s Champions League final back in May.
Given PSG’s summer business, he may be about to fall down the pecking order at Parc des Princes.
Following permanent exits for Lee Kang-in, Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani, PSG signed French international attacker Maghnes Akliouche on Friday.
They are also keen on Ajax attacker Mika Godts, with Barcelona‘s World Cup final hero Ferran Torres also linked.
In addition to Barcola, Arsenal admire Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez.
A deal will be very difficult to accomplish, however, with the former Manchester City forward more likely to stay in LaLiga.
Another option is Everton ace Iliman Ndiaye.
Julian Alvarez is very highly-rated by Arsenal chiefs Credit: Getty
Iliman Ndiaye has impressed in the Prem for Everton Credit: Getty
The impressive Toffees star’s future on Merseyside looks uncertain, with Saudi side Al-Hilal also in the mix.
Arsenal gave a lacklustre display as they were beaten 3-1 by Real Betis in Dublin earlier this week.
Quizzed about the mood in the dressing room after the match, Arteta pulled no punches.
The Spaniard said: “They are very upset, given a hard time. They are fuming, but this is good. That’s what we need.”
