Despite the recent arrival of Bruno Guimarães at the Emirates, Arsenal supporters will no doubt be disappointed at the failure to secure the signature of winger Vinícius Júnior.
The Real Madrid star was hugely linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, but any hope of landing the attacker’s signature has faded away in recent days.
The 26-year-old has agreed a new six-year deal in principle with the Spanish giants, which has seen Mikel Arteta’s men move on to other names on their shortlist.
It appears as though the Gunners have already identified an alternative to their top attacking target, though a deal could be somewhat tricky to complete this window.
Why Arsenal need to sign a player of Barcola’s calibre
After missing out on Vinicius earlier this week, the Arsenal hierarchy have swiftly reignited their interest in a move for Paris Saint Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
The Frenchman was previously on the Gunners’ transfer radar, but decided to pursue a move for the Real Madrid star instead – subsequently opening the door for Liverpool to swoop in.
Andoni Iraola’s men have since been in regular contact with the French giants over a move for his signature, with a £145m fee being mooted for the 23-year-old’s services.
Such a figure may seem hefty, but Barcola would be worth every penny, with Arteta’s men desperately needing an attacking talent like the Frenchman this summer.
|
Bradley Barcola – goals by season in his career |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Games |
Goals |
|
2021/22 |
13 |
0 |
|
2022/23 |
31 |
7 |
|
2023/24 |
42 |
5 |
|
2024/25 |
58 |
21 |
|
2025/26 |
55 |
13 |
He’s constantly starred at the top-level of the European game in recent years, as seen by his impressive tally of 34 goals across each of the last two campaigns.
Five of his subsequent efforts came in the Champions League and helped PSG to claim back-to-back European titles – something which is undoubtedly the aim for Arteta.
Such experience and quality would be vital in the manager’s hunt for added success, with the hierarchy needing to back the Spaniard if he is to win the club’s first European trophy.
How Arsenal can land the perfect Barcola alternative
The interest in Barcola is hardly a surprise, but the biggest concern over the Frenchman will be his current asking price – which could see him become Arsenal’s record signing.
He’s undoubtedly a phenomenal talent, but there’s no way the Gunners should be forking out around the £145m mark to secure his signature this summer.
As a result, other options down the shortlist may be considered, which could see a potential move for Everton star Iliman Ndiaye become a possibility before the window closes.
It’s been reported by The Independent’s Miguel Delaney that Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the Senegalese international at present, with the view to making a move for him.
Whilst no offer has yet been made for the 26-year-old’s signature, a move could well be on the cards between now and the end of the window in early September.
The aforementioned report fails to mention the price tag needed to secure his signature, but other sources have stated a £75m deal would be needed to prise him away from Merseyside.
Whilst Ndiaye won’t be many fans’ first choice attacking option this summer, he has showcased that he’s capable of thriving in the Premier League in recent years.
The Senegalese star managed to achieve a 51% shot-on-target accuracy rate last term, often getting his efforts within the frame of the goal after cutting inside onto his favoured right foot.
Such a quality is similar to that of fellow target Barcola, but the Everton man did actually manage to register more of his efforts on target compared to the Frenchman.
Ndiaye also caught the eye with his tremendous dribbling ability, subsequently completing 2.4 successful take-ons per 90 in the Premier League last term.
The aforementioned figure ranked him ahead of 90% of players in the division, backing up Jamie O’Hara’s claim that he’s “one of the best players in the Premier League.”
His dominance also stretched over to Barcola, as the PSG attacker was unable to better such a figure during his own campaign over in
France’s top division.
The £70m difference in price tags between the two players is simply bonkers, with Ndiaye a player who is clearly able to perform consistently in England’s top-flight.
He could prove to be a phenomenal addition for Arsenal this summer and one which could allow the supporters to forget about missing out on a deal for Madrid star, Vinicius.