No, wait — it’s actually worse. Arsenal are being outmanoeuvred not by one Premier League rival, but by Barcelona on multiple fronts in the early skirmishes of the summer transfer window.
According to a detailed report from FourFourTwo, the Gunners have seen three key targets linked with moves away, with Barcelona emerging as the clear aggressors in the market even before Arsenal’s season has officially concluded.
The Brazilian prodigy slips away
Central to the disappointment is Gabriel Veneno, the 16-year-old Brazilian winger dubbed the “next Neymar.” Arsenal had shown serious interest in the Atletico Mineiro talent as far back as last year, with scouting missions already conducted. However, Barcelona are now preparing a bid that could reach €20 million (£17m) if the Brazilian club hold firm on their valuation.
Veneno’s dazzling dribbling, flair, and goal-scoring instinct have drawn inevitable comparisons to Neymar Jr., and landing him would represent a major long-term coup for any club. For Arsenal, missing out on such a high-upside prospect at this stage stings, particularly as they look to inject youthful creativity into their attacking options.
The £70m blow: Anthony Gordon
Compounding the frustration is the imminent departure of Anthony Gordon. The 25-year-old England international, once viewed as a strong target for Arsenal with reports suggesting he preferred a move to north London, has instead travelled to Barcelona for a medical. Newcastle United are set to receive a staggering £69.3m for the winger.
Gordon’s directness, work rate, and versatility on either flank would have perfectly complemented Mikel Arteta’s high-intensity system. His decision to opt for a move to Camp Nou over the Emirates represents a significant tactical and psychological setback for Arsenal’s recruitment team.
Julian Alvarez in the mix
The bad news doesn’t stop there. Barcelona are also in advanced talks with Atletico Madrid over a potential €100m move for Julian Alvarez. The former Manchester City forward has been admired by Arsenal, who have rotated between Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres in attack this season. Should the deal go through, it would further strengthen Hansi Flick’s already potent squad.
A cause for panic?
While the optics look concerning — three high-profile targets moving toward the same destination in a matter of days — FourFourTwo rightly notes that Arsenal should avoid knee-jerk reactions. The Gunners have just clinched the Premier League title and still have a Champions League Final against Paris Saint-Germain to prepare for. Their squad remains young, deep, and well-balanced.
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However, the episode highlights a growing challenge for Arsenal in the modern market: competing financially and aspirationally with clubs like Barcelona, who can offer European pedigree, a global brand, and the allure of playing alongside established stars.
For Arteta and sporting director Edu, the message is clear. The summer window is only just beginning, and while the early blows have landed, the real test will be how decisively Arsenal respond once their season reaches its climax in Budapest.
The transfer market never sleeps — and right now, Barcelona appear to be the ones dictating the pace. Arsenal must act with precision and ambition if they are to avoid letting key targets continue slipping through their fingers.