Arsenal have been linked with Real Madrid sensation Vinicius Junior on multiple occasions since the start of last season.
The 20-year-old was tipped by many to follow Neymar’s footsteps to greatness after his £40 million (Goal) move from Brazil to Spain. Vinicius hasn’t quite hit the heights his compatriot did, but he is still one to keep an eye on.
The rapid winger has three goals and three assists to his name this season in 10 starts. Real Madrid view him as the future of the club but that hasn’t stopped Arsenal from making transfer enquiries.
Defensa Central claim today that Vinicius has been on Mikel Arteta’s radar for a while now. The Arsenal boss believes the Brazilian will reinforce our attack and add even more speed than we already have.
However, Real Madrid have shut down Arsenal every time an approach has been made. The report claims that both Zinedine Zidane and Florentino Perez want him in Madrid and the Gunners have been told clearly that no offers will be entertained.
Do Arsenal even need Vinicius?
Apart from Willian, Arsenal have had incredible success with Brazilian players. Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli have both been fantastic for us, and the latter eliminates any need for Vinicius.
Martinelli, like Vinicius, can on play on both flanks and up top. He might not be as quick as the Real Madrid man, but his speed is good enough to trouble any defender in the Premier League and possibly in Europe.
Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe have also done well out wide, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe are capable of having an impact from the flanks.
Arteta shouldn’t be too fussed about missing out on Vinicius this month, especially as we need an attacking midfielder way more than a winger.
