Arsenal look beyond Vinicius Junior as winger hunt turns to Barcola, Williams and more | OneFootball

Arsenal’s stop-start summer has taken another knock, with Vinicius Junior now likely to remain at Real Madrid. According to Sunderland Echo, attention is shifting to alternative left-wing targets before the 2026/27 season begins.

Supporters expected a statement window after last season’s Premier League title and Champions League final, yet only £34m winger Christos Tzolis has arrived and he is not seen as a regular starter. A drawn-out Morgan Rogers chase ended with Chelsea paying £117m, and centre-back target John Stones chose Inter instead.

RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa, 21, impressed at the 2026 World Cup during Norway’s run to the quarter-finals and has been heavily linked. He is raw, but his pace and directness could lift an attack that leaned too heavily on set-pieces. AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic, 27, has revived his form and might be available for about £55m, though his injuries make him a gamble.

PSG’s 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye is naturally right sided but can play left, so he looks more of a long-term investment than an immediate starter. Marcus Rashford has been touted after Barcelona decided against a permanent move following his impressive loan spell last season, and his United future remains unclear. If Michael Carrick does not see a role for him, Arsenal could pounce.

PSG’s price for Bradley Barcola is said to be about £145m, with Liverpool looking like front-runners but reluctant to meet it, which could allow Arsenal to make their case. Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams remains a simpler deal, with a release clause believed to be around £77m, leaving only personal terms to agree.

Source: Sunderland Echo