Arsenal pose Liverpool hijack threat after Vinicius Jr snub

Updated: 7 Aug 2026 15:57 BST | 4 min read

Andoni Iraola, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

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Arsenal have been forced to reconsider their transfer plans following Vinicius Jr's decision to sign a new contract at Real Madrid, and they are now potentially on a collision course with Liverpool.

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The Gunners were prepared to go all-in on the Brazil international, but it was to no avail. Despite making a strong offer to Vinicius, with Mikel Arteta outlining how important he would be to his side, the winger has opted to remain at Real Madrid.

After protracted talks, Vinicius finally accepted the Spanish club's contract offer, putting to bed any rumours over a potential departure. His previous deal was due to expire next year, and Arsenal sensed an enormous market opportunity.

Current ETV

Vinícius Júnior

F (CL), M (L)

Real Madrid

Vinícius Júnior

F (CL), M (L)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€86.6M - €105.9M

In the end, they have come away empty-handed, although a deal for the 26-year-old always seemed a longshot anyway, given that the player repeatedly went on the record to state his desire to stay at Real Madrid.

The Brazilian's decision has forced Arsenal to explore different options. The Independent claims that Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye is one name currently under consideration, while the Gunners could also revisit a deal for Bradley Barcola.

Arsenal to hijack Barcola deal?

The PSG winger was strongly linked with Arsenal earlier this summer. However, because of their pursuit of Vinicius, they have now fallen behind the eight ball in the race to sign him.

Liverpool have made a strong push for the 23-year-old, and it is understood that he is very keen on a move to Merseyside. The Reds, though, have yet to clear the biggest hurdle: agreeing a deal with PSG.

Just like last year, the French giants went into the summer with no intention of entertaining the departure of their star winger. That stance has somewhat softened in recent weeks, but it will still take a hefty fee to prise him away.

Reports have suggested that PSG are demanding north of €150 million for Barcola, and potentially as much as €170m. This is despite the fact that he wants to leave and that they have just signed Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco.

Understandably, Liverpool are reluctant to pay that much. Could this allow Arsenal to swoop in? They were ready to pay a Premier League-record fee for Vinicius, but it has to be said that Barcola is not quite on the same level as the Brazilian.

And indeed, the above-mentioned report confirms that PSG's valuation of the 23-year-old differs from Arsenal's, so it won't be a case of just coming in and matching the Ligue 1 side's asking price. Potentially tough negotiations will be necessary.

Arsenal's interest in Barcola remains genuine, though. He is seen as an "attractive option," even if the Gunners are playing "catch-up" after Liverpool's recent progress.

At present, Liverpool remain the favourites to sign Barcola, as confirmed by PSG insider Loic Tanzi earlier this week. However, with no breakthrough yet in talks between clubs, Arsenal still have a chance to blow their Premier League rivals out of the water.