Antonio Nusa is reportedly leading Arsenal’s contingency plans as uncertainty continues over a blockbuster move for Vinicius Jr.
Arsenal are continuing to explore options to strengthen on the left wing, with reports claiming Antonio Nusa has emerged as the club’s leading alternative if a move for Vinicius Jr proves impossible this summer.
The Gunners remain keen to add another wide attacker capable of changing matches, but with Real Madrid determined to keep Vinicius, attention has reportedly shifted towards targets who may be more attainable before the transfer window closes.
According to the latest reports, Nusa now heads Arsenal’s list of alternatives should a deal for the Brazilian fail to materialise.
The RB Leipzig winger is said to be ahead of Christian Pulisic, Ibrahim Mbaye and Brahim Diaz among the club’s left-sided options.
A deal for Nusa, 21, would also be considerably more realistic financially. Leipzig are reported to value the winger at around £52 million, a figure well below the level likely to be required to persuade Real Madrid to part with Vinicius.
The Brazil international is currently in discussions with the Spanish club over a new contract, despite entering the final year of his existing deal. Reports from Spain suggest he is expected to return to pre-season training next week under Jose Mourinho, with little indication that he will leave Madrid despite recent links with Arsenal.
Vinicius is due to rejoin his team-mates on Monday after an extended break following the World Cup, where Brazil were eliminated before the latter stages after defeats that ended their campaign.
While Vinicius would almost certainly require a fee beyond the British transfer record, Nusa represents a far more realistic opportunity.
Speaking to the Arsenal App, Mikel Arteta outlined the standards he expects the club to maintain following last season’s success.
“This has to be the start and this has to be the standard.
“Excellence has to be our standard and this has to drive us to attack the future. The way we behave daily with more and more determination and ambition because we’ve shown that we’ve got it. Now we have to show that we belong to this level and we want to increase and take this football club to a different dimension.”
Alongside their search for another winger, Arsenal are also reported to be close to a deal for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, as Arteta looks to further strengthen his midfield options before the new season begins.
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