Arsenal fans could well end up getting their biggest wish as reports suggest a move for Vinicius Jr is firmly in the offing.
Breaking news this weekend suggests the Gunners are pushing on with plans to sign Vinicius as they seek to add star quality to the left side of their attack.
For many an Arsenal fan, the idea of having both Vinicius and Bukayo Saka on opposite flanks is the stuff of dreams.
It would give the Gunners an attack similar to what Man City have with Doku and Semenyo and crucially, sends a message that they’re here to stay as a dominant team in the Premier League.
Interestingly though, while Vinicius will be signed for the left-hand side, it could well be Saka on the right flank who benefits the most from any potential deal.
Drop your instant reaction to Arsenal exploring a move to sign Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid
Bukayo Saka will be delighted if Vinicius Jr signs for Arsenal
The best clubs and the best players within those clubs will always welcome top talent arriving to improve the squad.
Vinicius Jr does that and immediately takes Arsenal to another level.
However, his arrival could also impact Saka and by the same token, improve him even more.
For years now in the Premier League and Europe we have seen teams effectively doubling up on Saka, such is his influence on the Arsenal team.
A lot of times, opposing managers will send two players to Saka and in turn, sacrifice someone else on the opposite side of the field to make sure the Arsenal man has no influence.
However, if Vinicius signs, then opposing coaches suddenly have twice the problem to deal with.
They’ll no longer be able to afford leaving the other flank free and hoping the team shifts across as a unit.
Instead, teams will need to be fully aware of Vinicius and in turn, that could free Saka up to have more one on one duels and get back to his very, very best.
Indeed, even if it isn’t Saka who is the direct beneficiary, someone in the XI will have more space. And with players like Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice perfectly capable of exploiting such spaces, this has the potential to make Arsenal a formidable challenge.
The hope now, is that this deal gets done and dusted.
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