Arsenal may be shifting their transfer focus to Bradley Barcola as a potential alternative if their pursuit of Vinicius Jr proves unsuccessful. While Liverpool appears to be leading the race for Barcola, there's a glimmer of hope for the Gunners.
With Real Madrid reportedly confident that Vinicius Jr will sign an improved contract, a move to the Emirates Stadium for the Brazilian star seems increasingly unlikely. This situation prompts Arsenal to explore other options, and Barcola has re-emerged as a name of interest.
According to a recent report from talkSPORT, if Arsenal fails to land Vinicius Jr, they might reconsider a move for Barcola, despite Liverpool's current advantage. The French attacker has reportedly turned down multiple contract offers from PSG, and while a move to Liverpool is his apparent preference, joining the Premier League champions would also be an attractive prospect.
Barcola was previously linked with Arsenal earlier in the summer, indicating he has been on their radar. Although he might not be at Vinicius Jr's level, the 23-year-old is considered a standout talent who could significantly bolster Mikel Arteta's squad, potentially offering an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli.
Liverpool seems to be the frontrunner for Barcola, with Fabrizio Romano consistently linking him to the Reds and confirming that club-to-club talks have commenced, though PSG's valuation is still higher than Liverpool's initial bid. However, transfer sagas can take unexpected turns, as seen with Moises Caicedo's move to Chelsea despite Liverpool's apparent lead, and Arsenal's own experience with Morgan Rogers this summer.
If the Vinicius Jr transfer is truly off the table, Barcola could be a viable Plan B for Arsenal. This situation presents a potential opportunity for Arsenal to try and hijack the deal, while urging Liverpool to act swiftly to secure their target.
