Arsenal are reportedly turning to Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz after top target Vinicius Junior signed a new long-term deal with Real Madrid.

Vinicius had been at the top of Mikel Arteta’s wishlist amid growing uncertainty over his future at Madrid. The Brazilian superstar had a year left on his previous deal and lengthy negotiations over an extension led to talk of a potential exit this summer.

The Gunners were waiting in the wings and ready to pounce if Vinicius couldn’t agree on a new contract. But Arteta’s hopes of landing the 26-year-old ended when he penned a lucrative new deal, forcing the Premier League club to go back to the drawing board.

Arsenal Eyeing Yildiz After Vinicius Blow

Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse

A new left-winger remains a priority for Arsenal, and they are now eyeing Juventus’ attacking gem Yildiz. That’s according to Italian outlet La Stampa, as relayed by Calciomercato, who claim the Gunners view the Turk as a ‘viable Vinicius alternative.’

Yildiz has been linked with the North Londoners in the past but extended his contract with Juve back in February. That seemed to rule out a departure during this transfer window but a huge offer looks likely to tempt the Italians to sell.

The Old Lady are demanding ‘well above €100million’ (£86m) to sell Yildiz, who has been at the Allianz Stadium since late 2023. At 21, he is one of the most exciting talents in European football and is tipped to become one of the world’s best attackers.

Stats courtesy of SofaScore – correct as of 09/08/2026

Former Juve forward Marcos Llorente explained just how highly rated Yildiz is in Serie A with a glowing verdict last season:

Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Igor Tudor also sang the player’s praises while coaching him in Turin: “Kenan has huge potential; he has rare qualities: he can make the difference up front with the dynamism of a midfielder. He’s a special talent, but it’s his mentality that will take him far.”

Arteta may like Yildiz’s versatility as he can play both on the left wing and as a number 10. But he isn’t the only option on the Premier League champions’ list after failing to sign Vinicius.

Barcola Should Be Top of Five-Man List

REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq

Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola could end up at the Emirates despite being heavily linked with a move to Liverpool. Reports of the Merseyside giants agreeing on a £110m deal have been refuted and GIVEMESPORT sources understand that the club are in talks with the French giants.

The Gunners have reportedly been weighing up a £77m move for Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, whom Arteta previously raved about. The Spanish winger signed a new deal with his boyhood club last summer but is thought to be more open to a departure this year.

Iliman Ndiaye has emerged as another option and the North Londoners are believed to be considering swooping for the Everton star. The Senegalese attacker has proven Premier League experience and could be the most reasonably priced winger on the list.

Arsenal transfer targets

• Kenan Yildiz – Move for Juventus star ‘considered’
• Bradley Barcola – Looking to hijack Liverpool deal
• Iliman Ndiaye – Everton star added to shortlist
• Nico Williams – Open to potential transfer

Kemal Aslan via Reuters

While Yildiz undoubtedly has huge potential, Arteta needs a left-winger who can make an immediate impact, and the Turk might need time to continue developing. A move for Barcola makes the most sense given his status and profile, which could really suit the defending champions.

Brock Rechsteiner is set to be offered a stunning new job in the wake of his NFL suspension.

Rechsteiner was suspended by the NFL for the first six games of the regular season, according to the league’s transaction wire. No reason was given for the suspension.

The New Orleans wide receiver, who stands at a towering 6-foot-2, will still be allowed to practice during training camp and play in pre-season games. His suspension will take effect when the roster is reduced to 53 players on August 30.

Rechsteiner, who was unselected in the NFL draft, was signed by the Saints as an undrafted rookie after rookie mini-camp in May. He has been competing for a spot on the Saints’ 53-player roster.

Brock Rechsteiner to Be Offered New Job After NFL Suspension

Despite Rechsteiner’s off-field troubles, he’s attracting plenty of interest away from the NFL bubble.

A WWE higher-up has already discussed the possibility of bringing the 23-year-old, whose father is WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Scott Rechsteiner, better known by the ring name Scott Steiner, into the company shortly after he signed with the Saints.

The official indicated that his NFL suspension would have little impact on WWE’s interest in acquiring his services in the future, according to a report from Fightful Select.

He appears to have the chance to follow in his father’s footsteps amid his NFL suspension.

‘99.9% Chance’ Brock Rechsteiner Joins WWE

Rechsteiner’s proposed foray into the world of professional wrestling seems destined given his family lineage.

What’s more, it is said that there is a ‘99.9% chance’ that he receives an offer from the WWE once his NFL career is eventually over.

WWE has reportedly been monitoring Rechsteiner, who is the cousin of WWE star Bron Breakker, through his college career, with the wrestling promotion hearing positive things about him during the process.

So much so, the belief within WWE is that he would not need to go through a traditional tryout process, with suggestions that they expect to sign him outright when the time comes.

In January 2025, WWE icon Scott claimed that Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque offered his son a WWE Next in Line deal, which is a system that supports the training and development of athletes at certain wrestling schools, wrestling promotions and colleges.

Rechsteiner has also communicated his desire to join the wrestling leaders when his NFL career is wrapped up.

“I want to pursue football as long as I can, play as long as I can, but once I’m done, I’ll get into wrestling, too,” he said of his WWE plans via WDSU-TV’s Sharief Ishaq.

Fijian rugby player Saimoni Vunilagi has died of suspected heatstroke following a training session in Japan.

Vunilagi was hospitalised earlier this week after developing severe symptoms following a training session in soaring temperatures.

In the southern city of Fukuoka, temperatures reached 35 degrees. Last year, Japan endured its hottest summer on record and parts of the country have reached 40 degrees in recent weeks. Around 18,000 people were hospitalised for heatstroke in July, with 45 of them pronounced dead on arrival, per the fire and disaster management agency. The Asian country experiences around 1,300 heat-related deaths per year and aims to reduce that number by half by 2030.

Vunilagi’s club Kyuden Voltex said the 26-year-old died on Friday, August 7.

Saimoni Vunilagi’s Club Kyuden Voltex Announce Death

Following the tragic passing of Vunilagi, the team issued a statement.

The Japanese second division side said his death had left players and club staff ‘devastated’.

It read: “After team practice on Monday, 3 August 2026, Saimoni displayed symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke. He was transported to a medical facility for treatment, but despite the best efforts of the medical team, he sadly passed away.

“The players, staff, and all team associates are devastated by this sudden news.

“Although Saimoni had only recently joined Kyushu KV, his generous spirit and powerful style of play had raised high hopes for his contributions in the upcoming season.

“We humbly pray for the repose of his soul and extend our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.

“At this time of profound grief, we respectfully ask the family be granted space and privacy.”

Further details surrounding the circumstances of his death have yet to be disclosed.

Japan Rugby League One Issue Statement After Death of Saimoni Vunilagi

CARDIFF, WALES – APRIL 10: Detailed view of the Rugby ball bearing the WRU logo on ahead of the Women’s Six Nations match between Wales and Ireland at Cardiff Arms Park on April 10, 2021 in Cardiff, Wales. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Japan Rugby League One also posted a statement in the wake of Vunilagi’s passing.

They said: “We express our heartfelt condolences upon receiving the news of the passing of Saimoni. We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and all those involved.”

Vunilagi joined Kyuden Voltex last month, having previously played for Japanese Rugby League One team Tokyo Sungoliath.

The towering back rower was born in Fiji but spent several years developing his career in Japan after completing schooling in New Zealand, before turning professional in 2003.

He attended Daito Bunka University in Tokyo and graduated in 2023 before joining Sungoliath. He made three senior appearances for the club before moving to Kyuden Voltex during the 2026 offseason.

The rugby community is in mourning as a minute’s silence was observed before the Japan vs Australia Test match in Osaka on Saturday.

Vunilagi’s former teammates Kanji Shimokawa and Naoto Saito both started for Japan.