Vinicius Junior has been named among three possible attacking options for Arsenal after the Gunners missed out on Morgan Rogers.
Rogers chose to join Chelsea after the Blues agreed a £117m deal with Aston Villa, despite Arsenal holding talks over a possible move.
Mikel Arteta must now decide whether to pursue another major attacker or place greater responsibility on Christos Tzolis, whose move from Club Brugge is close to completion.
A football.london assessment has identified Vinicius, Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande as three players Arsenal could consider.
However, the article presents potential alternatives rather than reporting that Arsenal have placed Vinicius at the top of an active transfer shortlist.
Vinicius move remains highly unlikely
Vinicius would represent the most ambitious option by a considerable distance.
The Brazil international is contracted to Real Madrid until 2027 and remains one of the Spanish club’s leading attackers. Any deal would require an enormous transfer fee and wage package.
There is currently no firm evidence of Arsenal opening talks with Madrid or the player’s representatives.
Barcola represents a more established Arsenal option. The Paris Saint-Germain winger has previously been considered by the Gunners and can operate across the front line.
Diomande would offer greater long-term potential after an outstanding season with RB Leipzig. However, Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer has publicly insisted that the 19-year-old will remain in Germany.
ReadArsenal previously reported how Arsenal missed out on Rogers after Xabi Alonso’s intervention, leaving Arteta without his leading attacking target.
Vinicius would instantly remove any disappointment surrounding that failed move, but his inclusion remains speculative.
Barcola appears the more credible alternative if Arsenal decide that Tzolis alone is not enough to complete their attacking rebuild.
