Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is 'absolutely smitten' with the prospect of signing Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, according to the BBC, as the Premier League champions consider an audacious move for the Brazil international. Vinicius has just 12 months remaining on his contract at the Bernabeu, and with extension talks dragging, Arsenal are prepared to test the waters with a major offer.
Arsenal's frustrating transfer window
The Gunners have endured a frustrating start to the summer transfer window. They missed out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, who paid Aston Villa a reported £117 million, and Julian Alvarez has made clear his priority is swapping Atletico Madrid for Barcelona. Christos Tzolis has arrived from Club Brugge as a direct replacement for Leandro Trossard, who joined Besiktas, but the addition of a marquee name remains elusive.
Arsenal ultimately pulled out of the race for Rogers after balking at the fee, but they are prepared to push the boat out for a player of Vinicius' standing. Arteta, who previously shed superstars like Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the dressing room, now accepts that a touch of star quality could elevate his team to the next level.
Champions League near miss
Arsenal narrowly failed to add a maiden Champions League crown to their Premier League title in May, losing to PSG on penalties. After that painful defeat, Arteta confessed that an overreliance on his world-class defence may not be sustainable long-term. Signing Vinicius, who is potentially at the peak of his powers at 26, could address that imbalance.
To secure Vinicius, Arsenal must convince a player minded to remain in Madrid, and whom new Real manager Jose Mourinho wants to keep, that a move would fulfil his professional and financial ambitions. Vinicius currently earns £450,000 per week at Real, but Arsenal are confident they can offer an attractive package, even if it means shattering their current wage structure.
Deeney warns of 'diva' impact
However, former Watford striker Troy Deeney warned that Vinicius' arrival could backfire. Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, Deeney said: 'If it did happen, it would be amazing for the Premier League to have a superstar on that level in terms of global appeal. I don't like it. I don't think it suits the way Arsenal play. I don't think his personality suits Arteta. I think he's a massive diva in terms of what he wants and what he needs. I don't think he would buy into the collective, and that would be something new for Arteta to have to deal with, because he's all about the group. You'd have Saka on one side, who's done everything right, then you bring in this guy and go, 'Everyone, give him the ball.' And you have to keep giving him the ball. I don't like it. I don't think it helps Arsenal, I really don't.'
Despite the concerns, Arsenal remain realistic about their chances but are prepared to test Real Madrid's resolve. The transfer window remains open, and the Gunners are determined to add a marquee name before it closes.
