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DONE DEALS
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Rodrygo and five transfers Arsenal can target as Barcola alternatives
Suraj Radia
- 23 Jun 2025 15:30 BST
- 6 min read
Analysis
Arsenal are still hoping to splash out on a winger during the transfer window but their targets appear to be dwindling after Paris Saint-Germain ruled out a departure for Bradley Barcola this summer.
With initial top target Nico Williams on course to join Barcelona from Athletic Club, Arsenal were understood to have contacted PSG to enquire about Barcola’s availability, however L’Equipe report that Luis Enrique will not entertain the 22-year-old’s departure.
Current ETV
Bradley Barcola
F (L)
PSG
Bradley Barcola
F (L)
PSG
ETV Range
€64.4M - €78.7M
Arsenal are aiming to add a forward with enough pedigree to add a new dynamic to their front line from the left wing, while also being versatile to offer competition and depth to Bukayo Saka on the right flank.
Mikel Arteta is also keen on keeping his squad young and also, ideally, remaining cost-effective in order to also strengthen up front and in other areas and FootballTransfers has explored five players who could become Arsenal’s new wide transfer target this summer.
Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the standout candidate for Arsenal is Rodrygo, who could look to leave Real Madrid this summer after an underwhelming campaign which has caused the winger to question his future.
Having spent most his time in Madrid playing on the right, Rodrygo is keen to play in his preferred role on the left, however the presence of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior has made this virtually impossible, leading to Arsenal already approaching the Brazilian’s camp over a potential transfer.
Current ETV
Rodrygo
F (CR), M (R)
Real Madrid
Rodrygo
F (CR), M (R)
Real Madrid
ETV Range
€88.3M - €107.9M
Arteta is said to have already given his approval to Rodrygo’s signing but the 24-year-old could cost as much as €100 million, while the arrival of Xabi Alonso could see him opt to remain at Real for now, meaning a transfer may just be out of reach.
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
Ademola Lookman has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom in recent seasons, with his performances for Atalanta earning him a nomination for last year’s Ballon d’Or and the 27-year-old could represent an intriguing market opportunity this summer.
Lookman netted a career-high 15 goals and five assists in Serie A last season, as well as five goals in the Champions League, and the London-born Nigerian international is said to be keen on a fresh challenge as he enters the last two years of his contract at Atalanta.
Capable of playing on both wings and also with multiple seasons of consistent displays in Italy, Lookman’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €56m may give Arsenal what they are looking for at an affordable cost.
Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)< h2>
Arsenal may have some doubts about Lookman, particularly at his age, and so they may look towards a younger option who has still proven his quality while also having plenty of room to grow into a world-class player.
Kenan Yildiz would certainly tick almost all the boxes for Arsenal, having provided seven goals and four assists during his first Serie A campaign as a starter for Juventus and with the 20-year-old playing all across the attacking midfield roles for the Italian giants.
Current ETV
Kenan Yıldız
M (L), F (C)
Juventus
Kenan Yıldız
M (L), F (C)
Juventus
ETV Range
€52.7M - €64.4M
However, Juventus are well aware of the gem they have on their hands and, with four years on his deal, they are under no pressure to sell on the cheap, although Arsenal could certainly turn some heads with an ambitious offer for a star of the now and future.
Christian Pulisic (Milan)
The official ‘hear me out’ pick, Christian Pulisic has proven at Milan that he is capable of more than the frustrating, inconsistent and injury-prone displays he had during his time at Chelsea.
With 20 goal contributions in each of his two seasons in Serie A, Pulisic has been instrumental for Milan by providing versatility, creativity and leadership to make the difference on the big occasions too.
Milan’s failure to secure European football for next season could force them into a cut-price sale and the 26-year-old may be tempted by a return to England to finally showcase his true potential and bringing all the quality needed for Arsenal at an affordable cost.
Antoine Semenyo, Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga (Premier League)
Perhaps it’s a cop out to group three players into one but Anthony Gordon, Antoine Semenyo and Anthony Elanga are all at a similar age, cost and ability whereby any of the trio would provide the necessary depth and versatility to Arsenal’s front line.
All three players could instantly adapt due to their Premier League experience, while also still looking capable of improving and developing the pedigree that Arsenal seek.
Compared
Antoine Semenyo
M (RL)
B'mouth
Antoine Semenyo
M (RL)
B'mouth
VS
Anthony Gordon
F (L)
Newcastle Utd.
Anthony Gordon
F (L)
Newcastle Utd.
2024/2025
Season Statistics
2024/2025
| 42 | Appearances | 47 |
| 13 | Goals | 10 |
| 6 | Assists | 7 |
| 3562 | Minutes Played | 3321 |
| 49 | Key Passes | 67 |
| 140 | Shots Total | 80 |
| 59 | Tackles | 44 |
Which player makes the most sense will likely come down to pure preference and cost but Arsenal could certainly do worse than a young, Premier League-proven talent who will be hungry to succeed and prove their credentials at the highest level.
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