They might have suffered a slight setback by drawing with Liverpool last week, but Arsenal still look on course for an incredible season this year.
After six years in the job, it feels like this is finally the campaign in which Mikel Arteta leads his squad over the finishing line as Premier League champions.
The Spaniard's team today is almost unrecognisable from the one he took charge of for the first time in December 2019.
In fact, the only player who has remained a part of the manager's squad has been the incredible Bukayo Saka, and now it looks like Arsenal are looking at a potentially game-changing signing who could be another version of the Englishman.
Arsenal target their next Saka
While they are yet to get over the finishing line, most fans and pundits alike would admit that the squad Arsenal have built in recent years is one of the best in the Premier League.
The likes of William Saliba, Declan Rice, David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Maghalese, for example, would almost certainly get into most other teams in the league.
However, as with all sides, there are a few weaker areas, with most fans likely agreeing that the attack could be better.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts-1
Fortunately, the club seem to share this sentiment and is supposedly looking at someone who could be a real game-changer in this regard, another Saka-type player.
At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Arsenal are one of several teams now interested in Vinícius Júnior.
Yes, the report has revealed that due to the Brazilian's incredible ability and off-pitch potential, the Gunners have shown a 'real interest' in him.
However, the same report also makes clear that cross-city rivals Chelsea are currently ahead of all interested parties and would be willing to make a mammoth €150m offer for the player should he not renew his contract with Real Madrid.
vinicius-jr-real-madrid
That converts to around £130m and would comfortably be the North Londoners' new record signing.
With that said, given Vini Jr's incredible ability and winning mentality, he might be a player worth breaking the bank to sign, especially as he could be another Saka-type star for Arsenal.
Why Vinícius Júnior would be another Saka for Arsenal
Now, it should be said that there are, of course, differences between Vini Jr and Saka; no two players are exactly alike, after all.
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior reacts
However, there are several reasons why signing the Brazilian could be like getting another version of the Englishman for Arsenal.
Firstly, both players are full international wingers who not only score goals for their teams but also help create them.
For example, since making his first team debut, the Hale Ender has scored 77 goals and provided 77 assists in 290 games, totalling 21835 minutes.
That comes out to a goal involvement every 1.88 games, or one every 141.78 minutes, which is hugely impressive considering the fact that he started at left-back.
Likewise, the "unstoppable" São Gonçalo-born superstar, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has racked up a stellar haul of 111 goals and 91 assists in 348 appearances, totalling 24969 minutes, for Real Madrid.
That comes out to an even better average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 123.60 minutes and more than justifies Jürgen Klopp's previous assertion that he's a "world-class" player.
vinicius-jr-real-madrid
This leads to the second similarity: at various points throughout their careers, both players have been viewed as the face of their teams and, in turn, have been relied upon more than some of their teammates.
Finally, on top of everything you can see with your own eyes, FBref have also ranked Saka as the tenth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Real Madrid star in Europe's top five leagues.
Vini Jr & Saka
Statistics per 90
Non-Penalty Expected Goals
Goals per Shot
Goals per Shot on Target
Key Passes
Tackles Won
Blocks
All Stats via FBref
The best way to understand how such a conclusion has been reached is to take a look at some of the underlying numbers that the pair rank the closest in.
These include things like non-penalty expected goals, goals per shot and shot on target, key passes, tackles won and more, all per 90.
vinicius-real-madrid
Ultimately, while it would require a Herculean effort, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Vini Jr this year, as he could become the club's left-sided Saka.
marc-guehi-crystal-palace Related
[Better signing than Guehi: Arsenal make £60m "superstar" a top target](https://www.footballfancast.com/better-signing-than-guehi-arsenal-make-livramento-a-top-target/ "Better signing than Guehi: Arsenal make £60m "superstar" a top target")
Arsenal are looking to strengthen their injury-prone backline in 2026.