Arsenal prepare contingency plans for left wing upgrade
According to reports on July 29, 2026, Premier League club Arsenal have prepared a four-man alternative shortlist featuring RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa in case their ambitious pursuit of Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior fails. Manager Mikel Arteta and the recruitment team want to secure an elite left-sided attacker during the current transfer window while avoiding reliance on a single difficult deal.
The Gunners understand that waiting indefinitely for a move involving the Real Madrid forward could leave the squad scrambling late in the window. Real Madrid remains firmly determined to keep their Brazilian superstar, forcing the North London club to establish pragmatic fallback options. The left side of Arteta's attack requires greater unpredictability and individual quality.
Sources close to the agency industry indicate that RB Leipzig values the talented Norwegian winger at approximately 51 million pounds. The Sun reported that Arsenal face competition for his signature, prompting the club to explore Leipzig's exact demands before deciding on a formal approach this summer.
"The shortlist offers a mixture of immediate experience, long-term potential and tactical versatility," club insiders noted regarding the aggressive recruitment strategy aimed at strengthening the squad for upcoming domestic and European competitions.
Four alternative candidates evaluated by recruitment team
Alongside Antonio Nusa, Arsenal have placed former Chelsea attacker Christian Pulisic, Paris Saint-Germain youngster Ibrahim Mbaye, and AC Milan playmaker Brahim Díaz under serious consideration. Pulisic represents the most experienced option because he already understands the Premier League and has successfully rebuilt his reputation in Italy.
Pulisic offers the ability to play on either wing, giving Arteta an established performer rather than another developmental project. However, his previous Chelsea history and likely wage demands could potentially complicate negotiations between the involved parties during the ongoing transfer window.
Ibrahim Mbaye serves as a long-term investment option with enormous potential, though asking an 18-year-old to make an immediate impact in a title-contending side carries notable risks. Brahim Díaz provides excellent technical skills and tactical flexibility across multiple attacking positions, though he prefers drifting inside.
Nusa appears to offer the best overall balance of talent and value for the club. His acceleration, close control, and willingness to take on defenders would give Arsenal a natural and direct threat down the left flank.
