RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesThree players Arsenal could sign instead of Vinicius Jr. after missing out on Real Madrid star originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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For a few thrilling days, Arsenal fans seemingly had hope that Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. could look to force his way out of the Spanish capital and find his way to The Emirates for the coming season.
As talks of a new contract stalled at the Bernabeu, with Vini's deal set to expire next summer, Madrid could have been forced to sell their iconic Brazilian winger to keep him from leaving on a free transfer just a year later.
Instead, the two sides eventually agreed to a new contract and Vini remained at Real Madrid , sending Arsenal fans into despair. With Julian Alvarez also reportedly looking as if he will stay at Atletico Madrid, or at least remain somewhere in Spain if sold, Arsenal will have to look elsewhere to fill their left wing hole.
The Sporting News looks at three available options in world football that could potentially fit the position of need in Mikel Arteta's squad.
MORE: Real Madrid's projected lineup with Vinicius Jr. returning
Three players Arsenal could sign instead of Vinicius Jr.
Currently, Arsenal are thin at left wing.
Leandro Trossard, who had a strong 2026 World Cup showing, has departed to join Turkish side Besiktas.
That leaves just Gabriel Martinelli and new signing Christos Tzolis as the only wide options on that flank, with Eberechi Eze also able to play in that position if needed. However, Martinelli is coming off a disappointing season last year, while Tzolis profiles more as a No. 10 then a left winger, even if he's often deployed out wide.
Bradley Barcola
If Arsenal were willing to pay what it would take to sign Vinicius Jr, they should also be willing to shell out the funds to sign a player of Bradley Barcola's calibre.
The 23-year-old is three years younger than Vini, and has an equally absurd statistical profile. Of course, Barcola has enjoyed most of his production in the weaker Ligue 1, but he has also performed at a high level in Champions League action.
Right now, Barcola is kicking the tires on an exit, given that he's largely behind Desire Doue in the pecking order at PSG, and Arsenal should be interested, even if it's an expensive one as they'd need to match or beat Liverpool's reported offer of €115 million.
Rafael Leao
Rafael Leao, 27, has struggled over the last few seasons at AC Milan, seeing his productivity fall apart as he has failed to connect with his teammates and become more individual as he reaches his prime.
Last season at AC Milan, Leao saw his successful dribble rate shrink to under one per game in Serie A play, by far the lowest of his career.
Given his contract expires in two years, Arsenal could potentially swoop for a cut-rate deal. This would provide high upside if Mikel Arteta wishes to attempt a project in recovering Leao's career, but would come with some risk as well. Leao is a talented player, and the right coach should be able to help him recapture his best form.
Ibrahim Mbaye
If Arsenal wish to swoop for a future talent, who might be able to contribute now but would be more suited to grow into his role down the line, they could make a splash for PSG youngster Ibrahim Mbaye.
The 18-year-old Frenchman has also been linked to Liverpool in a deal worth around €50 million, but they are not close to completion yet, and could be easily be hijacked.
Mbaye proved to be an effective attacker in his various substitute appearances last season, deployed more on the right but capable on both wings. He would be a real option for Arsenal if they would like to make a move this summer but aren't married to forcing an option right now.
MORE: Why Mohamed Salag signed with little-known Turkish club
Other players linked to Arsenal but unlikely or ill-advised
Julian Alvarez
It just seems like, at this point, Julian Alvarez isn't a realistic option for Arsenal.
Reports claim that Atletico Madrid have no interest in selling him to Barcelona , but that Alvarez wants to stay in Spain. Given those two conflicting stances, it's likely that Alvarez remains at Atletico Madrid this summer, and would be an unrealistic option for Arsenal.
In any case, spending the money it would require to pry Alvarez away from Atleti for a player who would not fill the left wing gap feels like a misguided action regardless.
Iliman Ndiaye
26-year-old Iliman Ndiaye of Everton enjoyed a strong World Cup, securing three goal contributions for Senegal as he dazzled his way around pitches in the United States. He also impressed in the Premier League last season, a strong indicator of future success as he enters his prime years and has shown he can star in the English top flight.
Unfortunately, there are hurdles, the biggest of which is the price. Ndiaye's contract at Everton runs through the summer of 2029, giving the Toffees a decent amount of control knowing they aren't in a precarious position until next year when he reaches the final two seasons of his deal.
Given the reported price tag of at least £70 million, it would be more prudent for Arsenal to shoot for someone younger with a higher ceiling, like Barcola or Mbaye, even if it were to cost more.
Plus, he is not a natural left winger, even if he can play on that side of the field. It's not a great fit.
Nico Williams
Spain managed to win the World Cup despite Nico Williams not being fully fit, as Alex Baena filled in on the left admirably as Williams came off the bench for much of the tournament.
Still, the Athletic Club star is a top, top player, assisting the World Cup-winning goal as the latest cherry on top of his glittering career.
There's one problem here: the 24-year-old has nine years left on the contract he signed with Athletic just last summer, tied to the club through the summer of...
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