Arsenal are exploring alternative targets in the transfer market after failing to land Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, with sporting director Andrea Berta tasked with identifying wingers and defenders capable of elevating Mikel Arteta's squad this season.
The Gunners have already moved to strengthen their attack by signing Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge as a replacement for the departed Leandro Trossard. The 24-year-old Greek international enjoyed an outstanding campaign in Belgium last season, contributing 22 goals and 29 assists across all competitions, and has reportedly impressed during pre-season, though matching those numbers in the Premier League would be a tall order.
Arsenal have also looked at Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, but face competition from Liverpool for his signature, with PSG said to be seeking a fee in excess of £100 million. Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers was another player of interest before his £117 million move to Chelsea went through, with Arsenal unwilling to exceed an £80 million valuation for the England international.
Among the names still on Arsenal's radar is Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, who impressed during the 2025-26 season with 11 goals and 10 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions for the Italian club. The 21-year-old Turkey international's versatility across the front line and unpredictable style of play, capable of cutting inside or driving to the byline, make him an attractive option for Arteta's system. Statistics from Opta show that only Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Werder Bremen's Romano Schmid created more open-play chances than Yildiz among players in Europe's top five leagues last season, while only Vinicius Jr created more chances from carries. However, Yildiz recently signed a new four-year contract at Juventus, and sources suggest the Italian club have no intention of selling him.
Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams remains another player Arsenal have monitored, with the Spain international seen as a potential spark for an attack sometimes criticised for being too predictable. Williams, who has a contract with the Basque club running until 2035 that reportedly contains a release clause, completed 43.8% of his 153 attempted dribbles last season despite a campaign disrupted by injury. Opta data shows he averaged 8.2 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga, a figure bettered only by Lamine Yamal, Kevin and Jeremy Doku across Europe's top leagues. However, concerns over his fitness record and a likely high price tag mean he may not be the priority target for Arsenal at this stage.
Should no new left-sided attacker arrive, Arsenal do have internal options, with Tzolis able to continue in that role alongside Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, both of whom are capable of operating on the left. Eze featured in that position during several of Arsenal's most important matches last season.
Defensively, Arsenal are set to begin the new campaign without half of their preferred back four due to injuries, making defensive reinforcements an urgent priority. The club have shown interest in Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, a versatile defender who can operate at centre-back or right-back and has established himself as an England international. He is understood to be valued at around £60 million.
In a move that would raise eyebrows across north London, Arsenal have also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero. Any deal for the Argentine defender would mark a significant coup following last season's signing of Eze from Crystal Palace, but with Atletico Madrid also reportedly interested and Spurs unlikely to sanction a sale to a direct rival, such a transfer appears improbable.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.