Arsenal looks at a Vinicius Jr backup and checks out a player they ‘really like’
Arsenal are now looking for other options after Vinicius Jr signed a new six-year deal with Real Madrid, and it seems they already have a player in mind. The Gunners want to make a strong impact in the last weeks of the transfer window as they get ready to defend their Premier League title.
So far, it’s been a quieter summer. In June, they signed Piero Hincapie for £34.5 million; he was on loan at Arsenal last season from Bayer Leverkusen. Then, former Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier joined the team on a free transfer. More recently, Arsenal brought in promising Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34 million, and Bruno Guimaraes might be joining soon for £75 million.
Manager Mikel Arteta also wants to add more attacking players. Vinicius Jr was on their list, but since he has committed to Real Madrid, they are looking elsewhere. Arsenal have been watching Julian Alvarez and Bradley Barcola, although Barcola is also a target for Liverpool.
Another player Arsenal really like is Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye. They have even asked about him, according to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs. On the YouTube channel Latte Firm, Jacobs said, “I heard that Arsenal really like Iliman Ndiaye.” He added, “He has turned down a contract offer at Everton so far, and Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia are interested too, but Arsenal have made an enquiry.”
In an exclusive chat with SPORTbible, Ndiaye spoke about his future: “You never know where football will take you. I want to be the best player, and to do that, you have to play at the top. I want to play at the highest level, especially in the Champions League.”
Ndiaye, who shined for Everton last season, has said several times he wants to play in the Champions League before heading to the World Cup with Senegal. The 26-year-old has also talked with Saudi club Al Hilal this summer as his contract talks with Everton have been slow.