Real Madrid are believed to have offered key forward Vinicius Junior a take-it-or-leave-it deal. The Brazilian is hoping to become one of football’s best paid players. The Spanish side, meanwhile, won’t be bent over a barrel by the forward.
Vinicius Junior’s current Bernabeu deal expires next summer and the former Flamengo star has two options - sign the offer on the table, or be sold this summer.
The news will appeal to Arsenal, who are looking to strengthen down the left flank in the off-season.
The Gunners sold Leandro Trossard to Besiktas following Belgium’s World Cup 2026 exit, and while they brought in Christos Tzolis to replace the former Brighton man; the 2025/26 champions need strengthening on the left wing if they are to build upon their domestic success.
Vinicius Junior would be a ceiling-raising addition, that’s for sure. The 26-year-old struck 16 times and provided five assists in La Liga last season. He directly contributed to 10 2025/26 Champions League goals, scoring five times. The Brazil international bagged four goals for the Selecao in North America.
While there is a chance that Arsenal may yet sign Vinicius Junior should he turn down Real Madrid’s final contract, the Gunners need to be prepared to miss out on their number one attacking target.
As such, we’ve picked out seven alternatives Arsenal could target in their pursuit of a new left winger.
Antonio Nusa - RB Leipzig
A stand out alternative, RB Leipzig are already expected to lose one winger this summer. Yan Diomande is tipped to depart the German side for Real Madrid. He’d play in that left wing spot currently occupied by Vinicius Junior.
Antonio Nusa would be a handy outlet on the left, and an improvement on Mikel Arteta’s options down this side. The Norwegian ranked second for completed take ons (68) in the Bundesliga last season. Four goals and three assists doesn’t make for great reading, but at 21 years of age; he’d develop further with the right coaching.
Bradley Barcola - Paris Saint-Germain
While Paris Saint-Germain missed out on Diomande, their pursuit of Maghnes Akliouche suggests that Bradley Barcola’s time in Paris is drawing to a close. Barcola is keen to garner regular game time next season, meaning he’d want guarantees he is first choice for his next club.
Liverpool, who like PSG failed in their own Diomande pursuit, have also been credited with an interest in Barcola. The Reds are hellbent on strengthening down the flanks. However, if Arsenal came knocking, they’d feel confident about beating the 2024/25 champions to the former Lyon man.
Raphinha - Barcelona
Raphinha endured his fair share of injury issues last season. The Brazilian was restricted to just 18 league starts yet managed 13 goals for the defending La Liga champions. The big money addition of Anthony Gordon also suggests playing time may be tougher to come by.
Raphinha is on the older side - he’ll turn 30 in December - but he could be a handy experienced alternative to compatriot Vinicius Junior. What’s more, the former Leeds man knows the league. Indeed, he could prove an effective stop-gap, much like Trossard was.
Rafael Leao - AC Milan
Having failed to qualify for the Champions League last season, AC Milan are going through changes off the pitch. Ruben Amorim has succeeded Max Allegri at the San Siro helm, and the arrival of the Portuguese boss could help convince Rafael Leao to remain in Milan.
Regardless, the 27-year-old may yet depart the Serie A side, however, and a move to England has been mooted. He’s an elite wideman on his day, and Arsenal could certainly utilise his directness down the flank.
Kenan Yildiz - Juventus
Like AC Milan, Juventus failed to secure a Champions League spot, and that may have significant repercussions for the Old Lady. That they spent a significant amount to make Lois Openda’s move permanent despite the Belgian’s poor domestic campaign also presents a financial conundrum.
With that, Juventus may be forced to cash in on one or two of their star players. Arsenal could do a lot worse than test the waters for Kenan Yildiz. The Turkish star ranked top for completed take ons (78) and second for chances created (76) in Italy’s top tier last term. At 21 years of age, he’d nail down the left wing spot for years to come.
Nico Williams - Athletic Club
Nico Williams was heavily linked with a high-profile move to Barcelona last summer. The 2026 World Cup winner quashed speculation over a switch to Spotify Camp Nou as he penned a 10-year contract in Bilbao.
A move away is out of the question then, right? Well, not necessarily. Williams has a €90m release clause in his Athletic Club contract. In the current market, that’s a steal. Trigger that, and Mikel Artete will have the chance to sell the project to the Spain star.
Mika Godts - Ajax
Mika Godts was surprisingly overlooked by Belgium for the 2026 World Cup despite a stunning Eredivisie campaign. Godts was the only player to register double figures for both goals (17) and assists (12) in the Dutch top tier last term. What’s more, the youngster ranked top for completed take ons (85) and third for chances created (78).
As Ajax struggled, the 21-year-old thrived. He’s destined for a big move. The desire to cut inside from the left would suit the way Arsenal play. Additionally, the young Belgium international would likely be a more cost-effective alternative to Yildiz.
