Mikel Arteta has taken personal control of Arsenal's pursuit of Vinicius Junior, with the Gunners manager sending a private message to the Real Madrid forward in which he promised the Brazil international that the team would be built around him, according to a report from Spanish newspaper AS.
The news represents a stunning development in the transfer window, with Arsenal having launched a sensational bid to sign one of the most electrifying attacking players in world football. Vinicius, 26, is widely regarded as a generational talent, having spent eight trophy-laden years at the Bernabeu.
During his time with Real Madrid, the Brazilian has collected three La Liga titles and two Champions League winners' medals, establishing himself as a key figure for club and country. Now, with his contract entering its final 12 months, the Spanish giants are facing a critical decision over his future.
Arteta takes charge of Vinicius operation
According to AS, Arteta has "taken charge of the operation" to bring Vinicius to the Emirates Stadium. The Arsenal boss is believed to have directly communicated with the player, assuring him that he would be the focal point of the team if he were to make the move to England.
The report claims Arteta told Vinicius that Arsenal's future project would "largely" revolve around him, and that the club's ambition extends far beyond domestic success. Arteta has made it clear he envisions Arsenal competing for the Champions League and dominating European football in the years ahead, with Vinicius as the centrepiece of that vision.
Real Madrid contract standoff
Vinicius currently has just one year remaining on his contract at Real Madrid, and the club are understandably wary of losing a player of his immense value on a free transfer. Should they fail to reach an agreement with the winger over an extension, the La Liga outfit are prepared to consider offers from interested clubs.
Despite the interest from Arsenal and the personal intervention of Arteta, Vinicius's preference is reportedly still to remain in the Spanish capital. However, negotiations over a new contract have stalled, with the two sides believed to be some way apart on the terms. That gap in negotiations has given Arsenal and other potential suitors hope that a deal could be possible.
Merson: Arsenal are being played
Not everyone is convinced, however. Arsenal legend Paul Merson has warned that his former club may be being used as a bargaining chip by Vinicius's representatives as they look to secure an improved deal at Real Madrid.
"Vinicius Junior is just looking for a new contract at Real Madrid. He's playing Arsenal," Merson told Sky Sports. "But this is where Arsenal are now. This is the market they're in. Arsenal are looking to buy someone from Real Madrid, one of the top players. It just shows you where Arsenal are in the market. It's a big worry for all the other teams in the league, in my opinion."
Merson went on to say that even if the Vinicius deal does not materialise, Arsenal still have a pressing need to sign a left-sided forward. He pointed to the departure of Leandro Trossard as a key concern, arguing that the Belgian's exit has left the squad short in that area.
Trossard exit adds urgency
"If Arsenal don't get Vinicius, then they have to get Bradley Barcola. They have to get a left winger in, especially now Leandro Trossard has left," Merson said. "They left themselves very short in that position. And if Arsenal don't get Vinicius or Barcola, then it's a major worry. For them to let Trossard go is not good business in my opinion – not for what you're selling."
"He went for literally nothing. I can't believe that half the Premier League weren't after Trossard. He played in all the big games for Arsenal last season and he's a brilliant footballer. There are a lot of good players but not a lot of good footballers out there. He came under that second category," he added.
The situation now places the spotlight firmly on Arsenal's transfer activity in the coming weeks. Arteta's private pitch to Vinicius demonstrates the club's ambition, but whether it will be enough to prise the Brazilian away from Real Madrid remains to be seen. If not, Arsenal may have to move quickly to secure an alternative like Barcola to avoid being left short in attack.
