Arsenal are plotting a stunning move for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior but are seemingly putting contingency plans in place if they fail to land the Brazilian.

Vinicius has emerged as the Gunners’ top target to bolster Mikel Arteta’s attack amid a contract stand-off with Madrid. He has a year left on his current deal and has failed to agree on a new one with the La Liga giants.

Los Blancos are believed to have told Vinicius that they will look to sell him if he doesn’t extend his contract. That has put the Gunners on alert, and a move for the 26-year-old has been ‘approved at all levels internally‘.

Vinicius’ preference is to remain at the Estadio Bernabeu and the terms of a new contract are the only obstacle standing in his way. The Premier League champions are thus looking at an alternative should they miss out on the forward.

Arsenal to Pivot to Liverpool-Linked Barcola

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Arsenal were linked with Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola earlier this summer but talk of Vinicius had seemed to rule out a move for the Frenchman. That came to Liverpool‘s advantage, and they are reportedly frontrunners to land the winger.

According to Alex Crook of talkSPORT, the Gunners are likely to pivot to Barcola if they are unable to bring Vinicius to the Emirates. His preference is currently Anfield but joining Arteta’s side is also appealing.

Barcola has rejected contract offers from PSG and is seemingly eyeing an exit this summer. The 23-year-old has been unable to secure a regular starting berth in Luis Enrique’s attack due to the star-studded forward options at the club.

If Arsenal are to turn to Barcola, they not only have to see off competition from Liverpool, who are at the front of the queue. They may also have to fork out £140 million, a fee the Parisians are demanding for the former Lyon star, per SunSport.

Arsenal Need Vinicius Resolution Quickly

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Barcola is the best option for Arsenal should they miss out on Vinicius, and he’d be an exciting addition to Arteta’s squad. A pacey, tricky and confident winger, he is one of France’s most talented attackers.

The main problem the Gunners have is that they may be in a race against time, with Liverpool pursuing a deal for the PSG star. By the time they learn of the outcome of Vinicius’ contract saga, he might have already committed to a move to Anfield.

The Merseyside outfit’s interest stretches back to last summer when Fabrizio Romano reported that they viewed him as a ‘world-class player’ but didn’t make a move. This time, Andoni Iraola’s Reds are pushing ahead with efforts to sign him, and that highlights why they are in the strongest position to secure his signature.

Arsenal have finally agreed on a deal with Newcastle United for Bruno Guimaraes and Mikel Arteta’s transfer chiefs are reportedly ready to turn their attention to another Premier League star.

The Gunners have agreed on a £75 million fee for Guimaraes, who is headed to the Emirates to undergo a medical and sign his contract with the English champions. He had been on Arteta’s radar throughout the summer and will become their fourth signing of the summer.

A potential move for Guimaraes’ Brazilian compatriot Vinicius Junior remains a possibility amid a contract stand-off with Real Madrid. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that talks between the player and the Spanish club are continuing to try and find a resolution.

Nothing is imminent on that front, given Vinicius’ preference is to stay at the Estadio Bernabeu. While the higher-ups wait for clarity over his situation, they are looking to address Arteta’s defence.

William Saliba suffered a back injury during the World Cup with France and is set to be sidelined for several months. That could mean a new defender arrives, and the club have already attempted to sign one.

Arsenal Readying Second Konsa Offer

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Arsenal failed with an offer for Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa earlier this summer but are reportedly expected to return for the Englishman. A report from Mail Sport claims that the Villans are “braced for a fresh bid” from the Gunners as they try to get him tied down to a new contract.

Konsa is at the top of Arteta’s defensive wishlist, but the club didn’t come close to meeting Villa’s £60 million asking price. The 28-year-old is one of Unai Emery’s most important players and still has two years left on his contract.

Villa are reluctant to sell another of their star players after Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea and Youri Tielemans moved to Manchester United. They instead want to get the former Brentford man to extend his stay with the west Midlands outfit.

They are also under no financial pressure to cash in on Konsa given they raised £140 million from Rogers and Tielemans’ sales. That could prove problematic for Arsenal, who look likely to have to meet the player’s valuation.

Arsenal Should Pay Up For Konsa

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Konsa has proven his worth as one of the most reliable defenders in English football and earned a starting berth in England’s defence during the World Cup. He helps Arteta address issues beyond just Saliba’s injury as he can fill in at right-back if required.

The 5ft 11in centre-back, dubbed a “warrior”, is at the right age to make a big impact at the Emirates and help the Gunners defend their Premier League title. He is believed to be open to joining Arteta’s side, and we’ve seen how important it is to get the green light on the player’s side, as Guimaraes had agreed to join weeks before a fee had been agreed.

What the North Londoners can’t do is lowball Villa with another offer that doesn’t come close to their desired £60m fee. The next bid, if made, has to be enough to at least get the Villans’ chiefs to sit down at the negotiating table.

Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to continue splashing the cash to strengthen Roberto De Zerbi’s squad and are ready to spend big on their top target.

It’s been a busy summer transfer window for Spurs’ recruitment staff, who have forked out £237 million on six new signings. Sandro Tonali arrived from Newcastle United for £100 million while Mateus Fernandes joined from West Ham United for £85 million.

De Zerbi wants a new attacker following last season’s struggles, which nearly resulted in relegation. A new winger is on the agenda and the transfer chiefs are willing to get the chequebook out again.

Tottenham Ready To Go Big For Gakpo

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Tottenham have set their sights on Liverpool‘s Cody Gakpo and are keen on bringing the Dutch attacker to North London. A report from Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof of Voetbal International claims that the club have set aside a “substantial budget” to seal his signature.

Liverpool are prepared to sell but want “well over” €70 million (£60 million) for the 27-year-old who has four years left on his contract. Andoni Iraola’s Reds aren’t pushing the player towards the exit door, but it’s been left up to him whether he wants to leave.

Gakpo, who reportedly earns £250,000 per week, has been in the Premier League since January 2023 when he joined the Merseyside outfit from PSV Eindhoven for around £37 million. He hasn’t always been a starter, but has been effective in front of goal and managed nine goals and six assists in 52 games last season.

Why Gakpo Should Be Keen On Spurs Move

Mohamed Salah sang Gakpo’s praises a season ago, explaining why he feels he had been misunderstood by the Kop. The Egyptian, who left Liverpool earlier this summer, called him a ‘very clever’ attacker.

This verdict sums up Gakpo’s spell at Anfield as he hasn’t quite won over fans and had many of them questioning his continued run in Arne Slot’s starting lineup last season. With the Reds chasing Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, his chances of regular game time are doubtful heading into the new campaign.

A move to Spurs could be a perfect opportunity for the Dutchman to get back to his best and he’s certainly a player whom De Zerbi will like. His intelligence allows him to operate on the wing or as a centre forward, and this could help the Lilywhites if they opt not to sign a new striker after top target Junior Kroupi’s injury.

Clearly, the Anfield chiefs are prepared to do a deal if their valuation of the player is met, and it’s now up to him to decide whether he wants to join De Zerbi’s side. If he does, he could be joined by Savinho whom the Lilywhites reportedly have a ‘very good chance’ of signing from Manchester City.