Arsenal are believed to be pushing on with a deal to sign Vinicius Junior, and one old endorsement from a club legend has taken on fresh relevance amid the growing links.
It wasn't long ago that a certain Gunners great went on record with a bold verdict on the Brazilian, one that looks more significant than ever given the position Vinicius would be arriving to fill.
Should the move go through, it would rank among the biggest signings in Premier League history, while also handing Mikel Arteta a long-term answer to his search for a new threat on the left flank, after letting go of Leandro Trossard, who kept Gabriel Martinelli out of the side for most of last season.
Thierry Henry Rated Vinicius Junior in Interesting Verdict
Thierry HenryAndrew Boyers via Reuters
Back in 2024 at the Champions League final, a match in which Vinicius and Real Madrid won 2-0, Thierry Henry was asked by Jamie Carragher whether he considered Vinicius the best player in the world. His answer left little room for doubt:
"Yes, that is what I said, right now."
He did add some nuance, though, pointing to how individual honours can shift depending on international tournaments. "It can change. Because, we all know, people talk about Ballon d’Or all the time, Copa America and the Euros will dictate that. It will not stop because of this game, even if Vinicius scores or Bellingham scores and Real Madrid win, the Euro or the Copa America will have an impact on who gets the Ballon d’Or. But, right now, this guy is ahead for me."
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It was a statement that turned out to be completely true. Vini missed out on that year’s Ballon d’Or to Rodri of Manchester City, who, within weeks of Henry’s comments, turned in a Player of the Tournament performance to help Spain win Euro 2024.
History looks very likely to repeat itself too. Rodri is the man widely believed to be the frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or once more this year, for the exact same reason, after his Golden Ball-winning performances saw him hoist the World Cup for his nation.
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Vinicius Jr Already Proven Against Premier League Opposition
Vinicius Junior holds the Real Madrid club badge on his shirt
A common concern with star names arriving from abroad is how they'll adapt to the physicality and pace of English football. For Vinicius, the evidence suggests that wouldn't be a problem at all.
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Across 26 appearances against English clubs, the winger has racked up 10 goals and 12 assists, working out to a goal contribution in almost every game.
Given those numbers have come against some of England’s toughest teams, there's little reason to think he'd struggle for immediate form in the same way many players from overseas do in the Premier League.