Arsenal in talks over stunning €120m double signing

16 Sept 2026 20:02 BST | 5 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

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Arsenal are already planning their transfer business for 2027, and they have two identified two key targets, including a familiar face.

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The Gunners had another spectacular summer, bringing in proven quality with Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa, and a hugely exciting up-and-comer in Christos Tzolis. Yet, it wasn't all positive for the Premier League champions.

Despite strong interest in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, Arsenal failed to convince the Argentina international to return to England after his unhappy spell at Man City. Additionally, they also failed to sign Real Madrid megastar Vinicius Jr.

Compared

Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

VS

Vinícius Júnior

F (CL), M (L)

Real Madrid

Vinícius Júnior

F (CL), M (L)

Real Madrid

€84M	ETV	€86.6M
€75.6M - €92.4M	ETV Range	€78M - €95.3M
26 years old (31 Jan, 2000)	Age	26 years old (12 Jul, 2000)
Argentina	Nationality	Brazil

In fact, they failed to sign any marquee left-winger, despite it being their main priority for the transfer window. Only bringing in Tzolis, despite the sales of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, could yet come back to bite them over the course of a long and gruelling season.

Understandably, then, the North London giants continue to be linked with numerous high-profile attackers. It is expected that Arsenal will look to rectify their ostensible summer mistake either in January or the following window.

Arsenal back in for Rodrygo

According to TEAMtalk, one player Arsenal remain big fans of is Real Madrid star Rodrygo, who has almost become a forgotten man following the massive changes at the Spanish club this summer.

The Brazil international suffered a torn ACL in March and has been out of action since. Although he is said to be recovering exceptionally well, Real Madrid don't expect him to be back until early 2027.

Arsenal previously showed a credible interest in signing the 25-year-old, and it is claimed that they are still in contact with his camp and making regular checks on his situation. Clearly, they feel that he could become a market opportunity once he returns to full fitness.

This is understandable because he might be the odd one out at Real Madrid. A left-winger by trade, Rodrygo was previously forced to play on the right, but this spot now belongs to Arda Guler and new signing Yan Diomande.

A player of Rodrygo's quality won't be content with playing second fiddle to Vinicius Jr on the left, so a transfer could be on the cards. He was previously rated at more than €100 million, but his injury could make him significantly cheaper next year.

A move in January would be a huge risk, however, as there is no guarantee that Rodrygo is still the same player after his lengthy injury lay-off. Arsenal would surely wait until the summer before making a decision on whether or not to pursue his signing.

Arsenal also keen on wonderkid

Beyond the left-wing, Arsenal are also monitoring potential future stars for the midfield. This was already the case in January, when they were keen on Rodrigo Mendoza before he moved to Atletico Madrid, but they ultimately decided against making any signings in that department.

This proved to be a shrewd decision as it allowed Myles Lewis-Skelly to eventually move back into his more natural midfield role, where he has been excelling ever since.

Nevertheless, CaughtOffside claims that the Gunners remain attentive to potential young midfield options, and they seem to have taken a liking to Sturm Graz prodigy Luca Weinhandl. The 17-year-old has already made 24 senior appearances.

Graz don't feel under pressure to sell their gem, but they are realistic about the situation and know that he will be on the move to a bigger club sooner rather than later. They reportedly value him at around €20m.

Arsenal, as well as Brighton and Aston Villa, have been scouting the teenage midfielder in recent games, with a view to potentially making a move in the future. Weinhandl turns 18 in January, so he could move to the UK as early as the next window.