Arsenal are exploring a sensational transfer for Real Madrid left-winger Vinícius Júnior, as Mikel Arteta’s summer plans are finally starting to take shape.
The Gunners have had a slow start to the transfer window. The only confirmed signings so far are Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge and goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer from Leeds. Tzolis arouses some interest, but it is unlikely that transfers will get the pulse racing in North London.
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A formal bid for Vinícius, on the other hand, would definitely do it. Renowned journalist David Ornstein revealed on Saturday that a deal for the Real Madrid star is possible, as the 26-year-old enters his final year of contract at the Bernabéu. If there is no progress in negotiations on a new deal within the next week or so, Arsenal are ready to strike.
With that as a backdrop, we take a look at the winners and losers of a possible transfer for Vinícius to the Emirates.
Winners if Arsenal sign Vinícius Júnior
Bukayo Saka
For too long, Bukayo Saka has carried the burden as Arsenal’s main offensive threat. Opponents have increasingly built their defensive plans around stopping him, knowing that few other players consistently punish the extra attention he receives.
Vinícius would have made that approach far more risky. His ability to explode down the left and threaten goals himself means opponents can no longer overload Saka’s side without leaving dangerous spaces elsewhere.
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Whether defenders move over to cover Saka or remain on the left to deal with Vinícius, Arsenal would finally have two genuine ball-carrying, goal-dangerous wingers who can exploit the gaps. That’s exactly the kind of variety Arteta’s attacking play has lacked.
Martin Ødegaard
Martin Ødegaard directs the majority of Arsenal’s attack. The Norwegian positions himself in the right half and sets the pace of the Gunners’ play, distributing the ball to the two wingers – who then have to create something in the final third.
During his five and a half years in N5, Ødegaard has been heavily dependent on Saka’s performances on the right side. He has regularly served Saka in dangerous spaces, without being able to trust the man on the other wing.
With Vinícius, the captain will finally have a player he can serve regularly on the left – one who can actually deliver the goods there. This can have a hugely positive effect on Ødegaard’s assists and improve the public image of his work.
Piero Hincapié
Arsenal undoubtedly see Vinícius as a potential savior for their left-wing problems. This is supported by reports that PSG winger Bradley Barcola is seen as an option – which clearly shows the club’s vision for the Brazilian.
If Vinícius does come to North London, it is possible that he will not play like a typical winger. He can instead be used in a narrower role, allowing him to receive the ball in pockets and half-spaces.
This should theoretically benefit Piero Hincapié, who looked far better when he had Leandro Trossard or Eberechi Eze in front of him in a narrow left role. Hincapié is far more comfortable playing on the outside and overlapping his winger, than playing inside and inverting into midfield like Riccardo Calafiori does.
Losers if Arsenal sign Vinícius Júnior
Gabriel Martinelli
The arrival of Vinícius as a left winger would effectively put an end to Gabriel Martinelli’s career at the Emirates. If Arsenal are willing to fork out over £100m to use the 26-year-old primarily on this flank, it means they no longer believe in their own Brazilian left-winger to deliver what it takes.
Arsenal have already sold Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £17 million this summer – and Martinelli could soon follow suit. Even if he remains in north London, the signing of Vinícius could be the final nail in the coffin for the former Ituano player’s hopes of becoming Arsenal’s first girlfriend left winger. Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in the 25-year-old.
Christos Tzolis
Christos Tzolis probably knew that he was signing for a more peripheral role when he accepted Arsenal from Club Brugge. Rarely does a player jump from Belgian football to a top club in the Premier League for £34 million and immediately become a key player.
The Greek was probably aware that he would have to wait for his chance in Islington and fight to take over the left winger role under Arteta. He probably expected a Barcola or a Nico Williams to come to compete – excellent players, but not indispensable.
Still: Just days after the transfer to Arsenal became public, reports emerge linking the club to the world’s best left winger. Tzolis may now regret swapping Bruges for London – not because he doesn’t believe in himself, but because he suddenly has to compete for playing time with a real superstar.
If Vinícius signs, he will expect to play almost every minute in the league and the Champions League. He can’t just be a regular starter – he has to be the supporting pillar Arteta builds the team around.
That leaves Tzolis in a tricky position, where he has to fight for small substitutes and cup games. While his move to Arsenal could still bolster his status in European football, he is unlikely to be used as often as he might have hoped when he first heard about Arsenal’s interest.
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