Arsenal’s hopes of landing Vinicius Junior have ended after the Real Madrid winger agreed a fresh six-year contract in Spain.
The north London club now seem set to assess other options as they look to strengthen on the left wing, and there are several names who could come under consideration. Here is a look at five alternatives Arsenal may explore.
Arsenal have been tracking Kenan Yildiz for some time, with the youngster one of the few standout performers during an otherwise underwhelming spell for Juventus. The Turin giants have endured difficult years, but Yildiz has consistently offered encouragement.
The 21-year-old scored 10 goals and provided six assists in Serie A last season, a campaign that saw him win the league’s Rising Star award. Since leaving the Bayern Munich academy for Italy, he has continued to develop impressively and has grown into one of the division’s top young talents.
Juventus have labelled him untouchable, but with no Champions League income for the coming season, finances could yet influence their stance.
Liverpool are currently at the front of the queue for Bradley Barcola, but Arsenal’s need to recruit a new option could bring the Gunners into that battle as well.
Barcola has shone in a dominant Paris Saint-Germain side, scoring 34 goals over the past two seasons as the French champions secured back-to-back Ligue 1 and Champions League crowns.
Even so, he is understood to be open to a fresh challenge after sharing game time with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue. The main obstacle is the transfer fee. After seeing Premier League clubs spend heavily this summer on players such as Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers, PSG are keen to cash in at a similar level. It would take more than £100m just to bring the Paris club to the negotiating table.
Another name regularly linked with a move to the Premier League in recent seasons is Nico Williams, though he has so far remained loyal to Athletic Club.
That loyalty, however, may stop Williams from reaching the highest level of club football. Athletic finished 12th in La Liga last season and will not play in Europe in 2026/27, while their most recent league title came back in 1984.
Williams would offer Arsenal a direct and dynamic ball-carrying threat and is comfortable playing on either wing. Injuries have slowed his progress recently, but his potential remains obvious.
Could Arsenal spring a surprise move for Marcus Rashford?
Manchester United are unwilling to sell the 28-year-old to a direct rival, even though he has been pushed to the margins over the past 18 months. Loan spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona have served as reminders of Rashford’s quality following a difficult period at Old Trafford.
A knee injury cruelly denied Abde Ezzalzouli the chance to represent Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, although that situation may have helped Real Betis in their efforts to keep hold of him.
The 24-year-old was outstanding in La Liga last season, finishing top among all wingers for duels won and ranking in the top five in his position for accelerations, fouls won and non-penalty goals.
He scored 10 goals and registered eight assists as Betis qualified for the Champions League. Ezzalzouli appears ready to make the jump to an elite side, with his reported valuation sitting at around €60m.
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