Arsenal knew that Vinícius Jr becoming a Gunner this summer was unlikely.
So while they prepared to offer the Brazilian a lucrative package, it would be a surprise if Andrea Berta had put all his eggs in that one basket.
While most Gooners were expecting Vinícius Jr to extend his contract at Real Madrid, their hopes had still been raised and imaginations influenced.
In truth, anyone other than the 26-year-old might now feel like an anticlimax. But with the transfer window open for a few more weeks, there is still time to find the LM we need.
So, with Vinícius Jr now off the table, who could be Arsenal’s Plan B?
Here are five options. In no particular order…
Julian Alvarez
The media in Madrid must love Arsenal because we keep giving them headlines.
After weeks of being involved in the Vinícius Jr saga, we could be about to be in another one.
Our manager is a long-time fan of the player because of his ability to play anywhere across the front three.
That might come down to what the 26-year-old says on Monday when he’s back in training.
Since the La Liga season finished, Atletico Madrid have very publicly made it clear that Real Madrid and Barcelona want to sign the Argentine but are adamant they won’t even negotiate with a Spanish rival.
It’s believed the compromise could be selling the striker if he’s adamant about leaving, but anywhere other than Spain.
Will that change if the player makes it clear how much the Nou Camp is his preference?
Bradley Barcola
If recent reports regarding Liverpool’s dialogue with PSG are true, Arsenal might come to the same conclusion.
It’s believed the English rival’s valuation for the 23-year-old is far apart from the current asking price, believed to be 150 million.
The Gunners refused to pay over the odds for Rodgers, and it would surprise me if their principles changed for a talent who still needs to work on his end product.
Nico Williams
The man who assisted winners in the World Cup and Euro Finals could be the compromise.
It’s believed the 24-year-old has a release clause of approximately 77-85 million, which, considering what others have gone for in this market, is valuable.
It’s believed Mikel Arteta has been a fan of his countryman for years, but muscle injuries in the past couple of campaigns may have put our manager off justifying his current wages. He would expect to be one of the highest-paid players at the club.
Does he need a season in La Liga to prove he can stay fit and stay consistent?
Marcus Rashford
He might not be one of the best players in the world, but that doesn’t mean you should be against finding at least competition for Martinelli and Tzolis.
Especially if you can find value.
It’s believed Man United would take approximately 40 million for the 28-year-old, although their preference wouldn’t be to help the Champions, who they are trying to catch up to.
In today’s market, that is a bargain for someone who got 14 goals and 11 assists at Barcelona.
The whole point of his loan was to prove he could still perform at the highest level, which he did by returning with a La Liga medal.
The stumbling block would be his wages. He currently earns more than anyone in our squad, and while the Gunners are willing to alter their pay structure, they won’t do it for a squad player.
Rashford, though, was willing to take a 15 percent salary cut to stay in Spain. He would have to do something similar to move to North London.
Kenan Yildiz
Having failed to qualify for the Champions League, Juventus will know the backlash from their fans if they sell the jewel in their crown.
The 21-year-old only extended his contract last season, so the Old Lady would only sell if the offer was silly money.
Like a lot of Italian sides, finances have been tight over recent years in Turin, so there would be a figure they would accept.
Arsenal’s issue is they have shown their cards; rivals now know they were willing to pay Real Madrid a big fee.
I’m not sure Andrea Berta would be as aggressive as he would have to be to make this happen.
Dan Smith
So, with Vinícius Jr no longer an option, who should Arsenal turn to? Would you take one of these five, or is there another player you think should be the Gunners’ Plan B?
Let us know your choice in the comments.
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Our hopes raised and our imagination influenced…… 🙁
Alvarez should be avoided at all cost and might do the same to arsenal if we end up signing him. His heart is at barca and will most likely do the same to us to go there. We don’t need him.
Arsenal should prioritize yildiz or barcola for that left wing. And must not pay over the odd especially for barcola. If we really want him barcola, he pick arsenal over Liverpool.
But Barcola is inclined to Liverpool, is’t it?
Would have preferred him or may be Yildiz. The other ones mentioned ….. just wondering why they are on the list at all!!
It’s just media noise that Barcola “prefers” Liverpool. I’m sure all things considered, he’d probably rather just stay at PSG.
I think he is ideal for us. Unfortunately his price is far too high.
The best reason to spend big this window on the left wing now is to get a clear upgrade. Pickings are very slim. Might be better to wait till next year.
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I would say Yildiz is probably the best bet.
He is hugely talented and is very young which means he has good sell on value.
Rashford should be avoided regardless the cost..
If we cannot get Barcola I would go for Mudryk if the reports are true he could be up for sale .
This is a player Arteta was going spend 88 million on so he obviously rated him .
Dan Kit,
I take it you’re joking right. Arteta may have rated him, but after watching his performance’s before his drugs ban, would surely have changed his mind. If not, why not would be what I ask him.
No I wasn’t joking ?the lads got a point to prove and he’s a lvls ahead of Tzolis.
Not sure what that tw5t below is going on about TBH
So you would sign Mudryk?
I take that as the joke of the summer.
You want to spend on a player cos you’re counting on him trying to prove a point to who? Arteta? The anti doping agency or Chelsea where he’s been completely useless from the moment he arrived.
And you say he’s levels ahead of Tzolis. In what way? Goals? Assists? National team performance? Tzolis beats him in all categories so I’m not sure what you mean by saying he’s better.
Your post below
Your words –
“ Kenan Yildiz: Haven’t really watched him as such-“SIGN HIM “
But hey you sound like a knowledgeable football fan so I won’t give my opinion again , naughty me .
(Lol)
I’ll rather go for an unknown and count on luck.
Mudryk is a dud. A complete flop
Haha
Didn’t impress in a Chelsea shirt before then, now hasn’t played a professional match in ages and has a questionable attitude to go along with all that. I’d rather keep Martinelli 100% of the time
Yildiz and Alvarez are not for sale and the price suggested for the talented Barcola is over the top.There are a number of lesser lights in the Premier League who could perhaps do well at Arsenal namely Minteh, Brighton and Schade at Brentford.Personally I would retain Martinelli and endeavour to move on Madueke but realistically that will not happen.As for Williams and Rashford, no thanks.
It seems he is injured, but I would still take a look at that Kroupi kid from Bornemouth
He’s out for 3 or 4 months after having an operation on a foot injury.
Diomande and Kroupi were signed just last summer, and neither of them had crazy statistics numbers to show how good they were… I know its a gamble, but I would rather do some proper scout work and take a £20m risk in a player with potencial than spent+£100m in a player like Barcola, who may not be an upgrade on Martinelli. Onde thing would be splash the cash on a proven player like Vinicius, other would be spending crazy money on Barcola, Alvarez, Nico… No way. We have already signed a low profile player in Tzolis, but I would rather take another one like that then paying over the odds for avarage players…
Alvarez seems the most “available”. There doesnt seem to be a player available that can immediately make our LW better so we should just move on to the striker position, and if there is a market opportunity later in the window for LW take it. Us not being Alvarez’s first choice doesn’t bother me. Everyone wanted Vini here just a few days ago when he clearly wanted to be at Madrid as his priority.
The deal that seems most likely to get done is the least appealing to me, Nico Williams. Barcola is too expensive and Yildiz it seems is not for sale.
Been told we are going in again for Yildiz. It will be hard to get done but money counts and (i don’t see a swap) but could Martinelli be a replacement for Juve?
Throw martinelli to sweeten the deal for yildiz n juve won’t ignore that besides they are not in champions League and are financially constrain. They will gladly do business if this option is considered.
I do not know much about the kid but he was one of our early pursuits. We thought we could get him cheap BUT that isn’t going to happen. Maybe we have realised that now. It depends on what we will offer. I do not know if it is right but Juve are supposed to want over 86 mil. It is news in Turkey we want Yildiz. Is that why Besiktas are interested in Martinelli. They must have had some encouragement from somewhere?
Sorry not Besiktas, Galatasary.
I have some objections:
Alvarez: We are interested in him but his obvious desire to go to Barcelona will certainly be a problem once next summer comes around. Moreover, we will need to do some serious convincing. PASS
Barcola: We shouldn’t be investing €150m on someone who needs to work on such a crucial part of his game (end product) and clearly prefers a rival of similar stature. PASS
Nico Williams: Clearly not good enough. We have better. PASS
Rashford: Amorim preferred his goalkeeping coach. When he went to Aston Villa, I told my friend that they will not sign him. I said the same thing when Barcelona came for him. I’ve been proven correct even though his price is ridiculously cheap. The guy is not committed to football and clubs know it. He only played well at Barca cos he wants a permanent move and a new contract. Many clubs should have been queuing up for him but now. PASS
Kenan Yildiz: Haven’t really watched him as such but he seems to be very highly regarded. Since 100 million is now the benchmark for many high profile transfers, if we could get him for anything less than that, then good. SIGN HIM
I am ok. with either Rashford or Nico. Judging by the game today we looked flat and uninspiring..
Friendly
Has to be for both teams. They didn’t sub their best players including the goalie and Bellingham. Trophy in the dignitaries stands and yet
Yildiz is a great fit for our system, but he’s only 21 and very expensive. We have little idea how he would adapt, there is risk there. Maybe in a year or two. Long term value is positive but unless he’s the nailed on starter, that money seems excessive for a rotational player to me at this point
Rashford is not the long term solution, but a good option for depth and competition, especially if we can get him on loan. £40m for a rotational option is fine.
Williams is probably a notch above Martinelli, but again, for that kind of money surely we want the nailed-on starter?
I just wonder if we should keep our powder dry in that position until we see how it works out with Tzolis and Nelli.
Baris Yılmaz has ben involved in the more than half of the goals scored in Galatasaray in the two latest seasons. Experienced winger, who is not yet in his prime.
But if we should go for a proven PL player I would go for Iliman Ndiaye, a very versatile attacker, but he won’t come cheap. But please don’t play over the odds for players who don,t have PL experience.
I think we can get barcola if we want to and he’ll be a great addition I’m sure.
Sell martinelli, zsolis is only good as second choice
The Old Lady is planting stories in the press, so reminiscent of Aston Villa saying “Absolutely Not For Sale” “Upward of £130 million, so forget it.”
Hours later he was sold to Chelsea for much less than the £130M.
Watch this space when selling clubs go out their way to so publicly rule out any negotiating position?