Photo by M Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images
Photo by M Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images
Although the transfer window is now closed until January, Premier League clubs are still putting plenty of work in behind the scenes to get their targets lined up for the future.
After an impressive summer transfer spend, Liverpool are still on the hunt for ways to improve their squad under Arne Slot.
While the record transfer of Alexander Isak and the huge deal to sign Florian Wirtz may be highlights, there are other areas to bolster.
A similar thing can be said of their Premier League title rivals, Arsenal.
The Gunners went on a spending spree of their own over the summer months, making eight signings and spending over £250 million.
Overall, both clubs have plenty of quality, but they are looking at the next stars who could take them that step further.
One target is a Real Madrid star, who stunned everyone with his latest performance in La Liga action.
Real Madrid players celebrate scoring against Espanyol in La Liga
Photo by M Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images
Vinicius Jr stuns Spanish media with Real Madrid performance against Levante
It’s been a tough start to the season for Vinicius Jr, who faces questions over his future at Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso.
The Brazilian ace has just under two years remaining on his contract, which puts his future into further doubt over the next few months.
TBR Football understands Real Madrid are open to selling Vinicius Jr, if he doesn’t sign a new deal and he enters those final 12 months at the club.
Liverpool and Arsenal have both been alerted to the opportunity, which could further bolster their forward lines.
While that interest continues, Vinicius Jr is continuing to fight for his place at Real Madrid, and his latest performance was quite an impressive one at that.
He scored an outrageous goal as part of a 4-1 win over Levante in La Liga action, pulling out an unorthodox finish to beat the goalkeeper from distance.
The Spanish media went on to rave about his performance, with Marca stating: “He puts Real Madrid ahead with a superb outside shot.
“The Brazilian is brilliant. He leads the counterattack that led to Real Madrid’s second goal. He had a chance for his second, but his finish fell short against Ryan.
“Vini is on fire, constantly looking for Levante’s goal.”
On his second-half display, they added: “He continues to draw opponents together every time he touches the ball, although he’s less involved in the opening moments. He again makes several dangerous plays.”
El Desmarque similarly said: “Great match from the Brazilian in response to the Ballon d’Or award, in which he was relegated.”
It was the sort of impressive display that shows why teams like Liverpool and Arsenal are keeping an eye on the situation surrounding Vinicius.
Vinicius Jr celebrates scoring for Real Madrid against Levante
Omar Arnau/Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Luka Modric impact on Vinicius Jr at Real Madrid
While Vinicius Jr could well make a switch to the Premier League one day, it was a former star from the league who has had an impact on him.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV about his goal against Levante, the Brazilian revealed how Luka Modric helped him develop the sort of finish he put on display.
He said: “Luka Modrić taught me to shoot like that, we miss him. I’m strong at that kind of finish.
“I hope I can keep scoring more goals. It’s one of my most beautiful goals, I don’t think I’d ever got one like that before. It was a lovely strike and I’m delighted with it.”
It shows how the winger is continuing to develop, even when he’s been at the top of the game.
Whether that could now be useful to the Premier League remains to be seen in due course.