Arsenal are exploring audacious moves for Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr and Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, with the latter reportedly demanding a transfer after informing PSG he will not sign a new contract.
Vinicius Jr contract standoff
Vinicius Jr has just 12 months left on his deal with Real Madrid, and the club are desperate to avoid losing him for free next summer. According to Spanish reports, the Brazilian is demanding a wage increase to around £17m net annually. Talks are expected to resume in the coming days once he returns from his post-World Cup holiday.
The 26-year-old remains inclined to stay at the Bernabeu despite the contractual impasse, but Arsenal are hoping to capitalise on their Premier League champion status to lure him to England. Real Madrid are keen to secure his future under new manager Jose Mourinho, who has signed a three-year contract.
Barcola tells PSG he wants out
Bradley Barcola has informed Paris Saint-Germain he will not extend his contract amid interest from Arsenal and Liverpool. The 23-year-old France World Cup star has two years remaining on his current deal, but Le Parisien reports he will not force a move despite his desire to leave.
PSG have placed a £140m price tag on the winger, who has scored 39 goals and provided 25 assists in 152 appearances for the club. He could slip down the pecking order as manager Luis Enrique reshapes his attacking options, but the club's valuation remains high.
Arsenal's summer business
Arsenal have already strengthened their forward line with the £34m acquisition of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. The Greek winger provided an assist in a behind-closed-doors friendly against MK Dons on Saturday, a 3-0 victory with goals from Reiss Nelson, Ethan Nwaneri, and Ceadach O'Neill.
