Arsenal’s pursuit of a left winger
Arsenal are reportedly exploring alternative options for a left winger after Vinícius Júnior signed a contract extension with Real Madrid. The Brazil international’s new deal, which runs until 2032, concludes speculation regarding his future, as his previous contract was set to expire in a year.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, is said to be keen on securing a new left winger. The club had reportedly made a significant bid for Vinícius Júnior, with personal terms nearing agreement, before he opted to remain at the Bernabéu.
Alternative targets emerge
Following the development with Vinícius Júnior, Arsenal has identified three potential left-wing targets. These include Julian Alvarez, Bradley Barcola, and Iliman Ndiaye. Julian Alvarez, currently with Atletico Madrid, is reportedly admired by Mikel Arteta, though he has also been linked with Barcelona and appears set to stay in Spain.
Bradley Barcola, a winger for Paris Saint-Germain, is another player of interest to Arsenal. However, Liverpool is also reportedly keen on Barcola, and some reports suggest Liverpool may be further along in negotiations regarding personal terms. PSG’s valuation of Barcola, reportedly around £130m, could present a challenge for Arsenal, as this figure is said to exceed their own valuation.
Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye is also under consideration by Arsenal. The Senegal international was linked with a move to a Saudi Pro League club earlier in the summer. Ndiaye scored six goals for Everton last year and also scored in this summer’s World Cup.
Other transfer market activities
In other transfer news, Arsenal is reportedly close to signing Bruno Guimarães, a Brazil international from Newcastle. A deal for the central midfielder is reported to be worth £75m. This acquisition is expected to reduce the team’s reliance on Declan Rice and contribute to forming a strong midfield in the Premier League.
Earlier in the summer, Arteta moved to replace Leandro Trossard, who joined Besiktas, with Greek international Christos Tzolis. Tzolis has started in the last two friendly matches for Arsenal. Despite this, securing another wide forward remains a priority for the club, with focus expected to shift to this area once Guimarães’s transfer is officially announced.
Meanwhile, Barcelona reportedly submitted a bid of £38.5m for Rodri, but Manchester City is not expected to let him leave for less than £60m. Manchester City is also said to be exploring a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, in light of Rodri’s potential move to Barcelona. Chelsea could see up to 15 players sold before the summer transfer window closes, with 10 potentially leaving on loan from Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle is looking to strengthen its defence, specifically at left-back and right-back. The club has reportedly checked on 19-year-old Jorge Salinas at Racing Santander, with Aston Villa also showing interest. In the EFL, Wrexham has inquired about Ipswich Town’s Alex Palmer as an alternative goalkeeper solution for the Championship season. In Scottish football, Celta Vigo is reportedly confident of signing Couhaib Driouech ahead of Rangers.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has banned transgender women from all competitive female matches, including internal club competitions.
Source: skysports.com
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
