Despite winning the Premier League title last season, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side were constantly questioned over their lack of world-class talent in their ranks.
Viktor Gyökeres was the big-money striker signing last season, subsequently ending the year as the Gunners’ top-scorer, but doubts have still been raised about his ability in forward areas.
The Gunners netted 71 goals in England’s top-flight last season, with Manchester City scoring more – which saw the Swedish international be the only player to end the season in double figures.
Christos Tzolis has already arrived at the Emirates this summer, but added attacking reinforcements are desperately needed – which has seen work ramp up to secure one leading European star.
How Vinicius Junior can make Arsenal unstoppable in 2026/27
Over recent weeks, Arsenal supporters have had a reason to get excited about next term, as the club have been linked with a mega-money move to sign Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior.
The Brazilian international has just one year left on his current deal at the Bernabeu, which has seen Arteta’s men enter talks with the player’s representatives in recent days.
The Spanish giants are undoubtedly reluctant to let the 26-year-old depart this summer, but it could be their last opportunity to cash in and avoid losing him for free in 12 months time.
Vinicius has constantly set Europe alight over the last couple of years, with his tally of 23 goals and 11 assists across all competitions ranking him highly against other attackers on the continent.
|
Most LaLiga G+As for Real Madrid (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Tally |
|
Kylian Mbappe |
30 |
|
Vinicius Junior |
21 |
|
Arda Guler |
13 |
|
Federico Valverde |
13 |
|
Jude Bellingham |
10 |
|
Gonzalo Garcia |
7 |
|
Brahim Diaz |
7 |
|
Álvaro Carreras |
5 |
Such a tally was 10 higher than any player within the Gunners’ senior ranks, which highlights his world-class ability to provide the goods within attacking areas.
His success in such a department has been sustained over recent seasons, as the Brazilian has netted 20+ goals in each of his last five seasons in Spain.
Saka and Gyokeres are the only players to reach such a landmark in the same period, but have only managed to achieve the feat once – further showcasing the Madrid talent’s star quality.
How Arsenal can land a star who’s outperforming Vinicius Junior
Despite recent efforts to convince Madrid into selling Vinicius this summer, Arsenal have been keeping a close eye on various other transfer targets.
Barcelona star Ferran Torres is another player who has appeared on their radar as of late, with Arteta keen on securing a reunion with his compatriot at the Emirates.
However, other targets are also being considered at present, with PSG star Bradley Barcola a name who has once again appeared on the hierarchy’s transfer radar.
It’s been reported by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook that the Gunners are monitoring the French international, who has also gained huge admiration from Liverpool in recent weeks.
They also claim that the £100m man would be open to a move to the Premier League champions this summer, albeit with his preference to head to Anfield.
There’s no denying Vinícius Júnior will remain many of the supporters’ main transfer target at present, but a deal for Barcola could be more realistic in the weeks ahead.
He’s set to leave the French club this window after rejecting a new contract at the Parc des Princes, which has seen Luis Enrique’s men place a £145m asking price on the forward.
When comparing his stats to those of the Real Madrid star in recent seasons, he’s actually managed to better him in key areas – not to mention his impressive tally of trophies in that period.
Barcola netted more combined goals and assists throughout the 2024/25 campaign, with his tally of 39 combined goals and assists three higher than that of the Brazilian – despite featuring for over 800 minutes fewer across all competitions.
Such numbers highlight his remarkable ability within the final third of the pitch, which could arguably make him a more effective addition in the club’s hunt for future success.
His quality over Vinicius was also evident last campaign, as he created more chances per 90 – with more of his efforts being defined as big chances in the final third.
The aforementioned quality could see him provide added opportunities for the likes of Gyokeres and Saka – who too could reach the next level of their development as a result.
The Frenchman is also a player who has become accustomed to success at the top-level of the European game, as seen by his back-to-back Champions League triumphs with PSG.
Such experience would be vital to Arteta and his staff, as he looks to turn the Gunners into a powerhouse in the Premier League and across Europe.
Both players would undoubtedly cost a small fortune this summer, and it’s crucial the hierarchy make the right decision when trying to improve the senior ranks.
A deal for Vinicius appears to be a tricky one to complete at present, but their efforts could be made a lot easier should they direct their focus into a move for Barcola instead.