Sport

Vinicius Could Take Arsenal to Another Level

Mikel Arteta clearly liked what he saw of Vinicius Junior at the 2026 World Cup. While Brazil only made it as far as the round of 16, losing to Erling Haaland and Norway, the Real Madrid winger made his mark, scoring four goals in five games. Arteta had time to envisage how Vinicius would fit into his Arsenal side.

Of course, Vinicius had already demonstrated his elite-level quality over multiple seasons before the 2026 World Cup. He is widely considered one of the most impactful wingers in the world which is presumably why Arsenal are reportedly weighing up an offer. He’s the sort of player they require to reach the next level.

Last season was Arsenal’s best Premier League for over two decades as they won the title. Arteta has established the North London side as a formidable force domestically and on the continent with the Gunners also making the semi-finals of the Champions League in each of the last two seasons.

Arsenal boast the strongest defensive unit anywhere in Europe. Indeed, the Gunners kept a league-high 19 clean sheets from 38 Premier League games last season with Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and David Raya all central to their success. Without them, Arsenal surely wouldn’t have finished top of the pile.

To take the next step, though, Arsenal must become more forceful as an attacking outfit and there is a clear deficiency on the left wing, especially after the departure of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas in the summer transfer window. This is why Vinicius is being targeted in what could be a Premier League-record move.

Only Kylian Mbappe scored more goals in La Liga for Real Madrid last season than Vinicius who found the back of the net 16 times. The Brazilian was also joint-top among his teammates for chances created over the course of the season, highlighting his importance as a goal-scorer and a creator.

There’s no doubt Vinicius would improve Arsenal as an attacking outfit. Not only would the 26-year-old pose a threat of his own, he would help take some of the focus off Bukayo Saka on the right wing, giving the England international more freedom to drive at opposition defenders and exploit open space. It would make Arsenal a more balanced outfit and not so right wing-focused.

On the defensive side of the ball, Vinicius might not offer much and this could change the profile of Arsenal’s forward line. Gabriel Martinelli might be inconsistent in his attacking output, but the Brazilian gives the Gunners plenty in terms of his pressing against opposition possession. Vinicius won’t dig in defensively in the same manner.

Nonetheless, if Arsenal have the opportunity to land one of the most impactful wide players in the game, they must grasp it. The Gunners have been clinical in improving almost every area of the squad over the Arteta tenure – see Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard. Vinicius would be their next statement signing.

Arsenal are also believed to be keen on Bruno Guimaraes who is reportedly open to the idea of joining the Premier League champions. Newcastle United are remaining resolute in their valuation of the midfielder, but if a deal can be done for Guimaraes something important will be said about the Gunners and their current trajectory.

The Premier League champions are intent on making ‘win now’ signings. Vinicius, like Guimaraes, would be an addition designed to not only keep Arsenal at the top of the English game, but move them closer to European glory in next season’s Champions League. The Emirates Stadium could be a suitable new home for the Brazilian winger.