Mikel Arteta has built a truly world-class squad at Arsenal over the last few years.
From front to back, the likes of William Saliba, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze would comfortably get into any side in the Premier League.
Yet, even though he's not been at his very best this season, Bukayo Saka still stands as the club's most important player.
Saka-Arsenal-Fulham
The Hale Ender is their talisman, someone capable of winning games on his own, so fans should be delighted by reports linking Arsenal to someone even better than Saka.
Arsenal target a better player than Saka
Arsenal have already been linked with several truly brilliant players ahead of the winter window.
For example, Juventus' Kenan Yıldız has been touted for a £88m move to the Emirates, as has Real Madrid's Rodrygo.
However, while both of these wingers are sensational talents and would undoubtedly improve the Gunners' squad, neither one is better than Saka.
saka
Vinícius Júnior, on the other hand, just might be.
Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are now interested in the Madrid superstar.
The report has revealed that with talks over a new deal at the Bernabéu going poorly, the Gunners are now 'pursuing the Brazilian.'
A potential price is not mentioned, but with Transfermarkt valuing the winger at €150m - about £132m - it would likely require a new British record transfer fee.
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior reacts
With that said, if Arsenal have the chance to sign Vini Jr, they should take it, not least because he's one of the few attackers in the world better than Saka.
How Vini compares to Saka
Now, the first thing to make clear is that Saka is a genuinely world-class footballer, and not only that, but he has the chance to become a legend at Arsenal.
However, what is equally true is that Vini Jr might just be a marginally better player, but one who could form a devastating partnership with him on the opposite flank.
With that out of the way, which international superstar comes out on top when we look at their output this season?
vinicius-real-madrid
Well, so far this year, the Gunners' number seven has scored six goals in 15 appearances, totalling 1053 minutes, coming out to an average of a goal every 2.5 games, or every 175.5 minutes.
For his efforts, the former Flamengo gem has scored five goals and provided four assists in 17 appearances, totalling 1172 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.88 games, or every 130.22 minutes.
Which game-changing wideman comes out on top when taking a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers?
Well, perhaps a little surprisingly, the Brazilian dynamo doesn't just come out better in most metrics, but practically every single relevant one.
Vini Jr vs Saka
Statistics per 90
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
Progressive Passes
Progressive Carries
Shots
Shots on Target
Passing Accuracy
Key Passes
Passes into the Penalty Area
Shot-Creating Actions
Goal-Creating Actions
Tackles Won
Successful Take-Ons
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League Season
For example, these include metrics like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, shots on target, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, Saka is an exceptional player, but as Ronaldo once pointed out, Vini Jr is arguably "the best player in the world", and therefore, if Arsenal have even the slightest chance to sign him, they should go all out to do so.
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[Trossard upgrade: Arsenal hold talks to sign "one of the world's best wingers"](https://www.footballfancast.com/trossard-upgrade-arsenal-in-talks-for-rodrygo/ "Trossard upgrade: Arsenal hold talks to sign "one of the world's best wingers"")
Despite his brilliant form, Arsenal could soon sign an upgrade on Leandro Trossard.