Arsenal Focus on Bayern Clash After Tzolis Arrival and Vinicius Blow
Arsenal’s immediate attention is on Wednesday’s Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich and Harry Kane, before Everton visit the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Key takeaways
- Arsenal signed Greek forward Christos Tzolis after selling Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.
- Vinicius Junior was linked with the Gunners but has committed his future to Real Madrid.
- Liverpool paid £123 million ($165m) to land France international Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.
- Manchester City face 114 charges, with speculation that a severe sporting punishment could trigger player exits.
- Arsenal great Gilles Grimandi does not believe Jeremy Doku or Antoine Semenyo would offer a standout solution on the left.
Arsenal’s wide-option search could reopen
The Premier League champions strengthened on the left during the summer window by bringing in Tzolis, following the departures of Trossard and Martinelli. Arsenal had also considered higher-profile alternatives as they assessed options for Mikel Arteta’s forward line.
Vinicius was among the names discussed, but the former Ballon d’Or contender has signed fresh terms at the Santiago Bernabeu. Barcola also featured on Arsenal’s list after his rise with France and Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Champions League in consecutive seasons.
Arsenal did not pursue a deal as Barcola’s price climbed, with Liverpool eventually spending £123m ($165m) on the 24-year-old. Arteta has other creative wide choices in Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, but further work on the left side is expected in 2027 if the right target becomes available.
City uncertainty puts Doku and Semenyo in focus
Arsenal will be monitoring Manchester City’s position as the club deal with 114 charges. A major points penalty has been suggested as a possible outcome, and relegation from the Premier League could prompt an extensive squad break-up.
Antoine Semenyo, formerly of Bournemouth, and Belgium winger Doku have both been mentioned as players who could become available. Doku has enhanced his reputation across the past two Premier League campaigns, while former England striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has called him an ideal Arsenal signing. Paul Scholes has also predicted a move to north London for Doku should City fall into the Championship.
Grimandi, a two-time Premier League winner with Arsenal, is unconvinced. He recognised Doku’s speed and technical quality but questioned whether either Doku or Semenyo would suit Arsenal’s playing style or provide the extra level required.
Grimandi believes Napoli and Georgia star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia would add something distinctive, while also arguing that Arsenal should trust their younger players. He added that City’s players becoming available without a transfer fee could alter the equation, but does not currently expect Arsenal to commit major spending on either Doku or Semenyo.
