Arsenal are exploring a move for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior, and if the transfer happens, the Brazilian forward would offer Mikel Arteta a number of tactical options
07:00, 29 Jul 2026
The Arsenal fanbase was thrown into a state of delirium following reports last weekend that the club was considering a move for Vinicius Junior. While developments on Tuesday appeared to dampen the prospect of a deal, that hasn't stopped fans speculation about what a Gunners team with the Brazilian in could look like.
There are those who are understandably questioning how feasible the signing might be, given that Vinicius ranks among the biggest names in world football. And those hopes weren't given any boost after it emerged that Real manager Jose Mourinho does not want to lose the Brazilian this summer.
On the flip side, football.london understands that all senior figures at Emirates Stadium are supportive of the move, indicating that it is a financially realistic transfer despite the forward likely breaking Arsenal's wage structure with his substantial salary demands.
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One thing is beyond doubt - securing Vinicius would represent the most significant transfer in the club's history. His arrival would deliver a combination of skill, pace and trickery not seen in N5 since Alexis Sanchez's peak years.
The 26-year-old's natural ability and versatility also provide manager Mikel Arteta with considerable flexibility in terms of how he sets up his side across different match situations. football.london now examines three ways in which Vinicius could be deployed by Arteta, as the Gunners look to retain their Premier League title and claim their first Champions League trophy in 2026/27.
4-3-3
Arsenal will have identified Vinicius as their dream left-wing signing. The position has proved problematic for Arteta across multiple seasons, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both unable to establish themselves in the role during previous campaigns. Vinicius would therefore be signed to mainly operate from the left flank, with Martinelli and new arrival Christos Tzolis providing cover.
The Brazilian maestro’s finest performances throughout his career have come from this position, where he can influence matches by facing defenders, weaving through crowded defences, or spearheading counter-attacks. He would offer a different type of threat to Bukayo Saka on the right, given his explosive speed and capability to take on multiple players at any moment.
Vinicius operating in a more advanced position, with three midfielders covering behind him, would also help remedy arguably his most significant shortcoming: his pressing and defensive contributions. A front three comprising the Brazil international, Kai Havertz and Saka would be the most formidable attacking trio in the country.
4-4-2
Arteta has, at times in recent seasons, used a 4-4-2 featuring Havertz and Trossard, or Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres. Vinicius can operate in this system, as he has demonstrated at Real Madrid and, more regularly, on international duty with Brazil.
His tremendous footballing brain, when handed the licence to drift across the forward line, enables him to exploit space and trouble defences. The forward also excels in intricate combination play, which he could relish alongside Havertz or Gyokeres while remaining close to the opposition goal.
This set-up would likely see Martinelli, Tzolis or Eberechi Eze positioned on the left as a conventional wide midfielder. Given Martinelli's excellent defensive work, the Brazilian would be capable of undertaking the defensive duties Vinicius is hesitant to perform. In attack, the duo can rotate naturally, with some of Martinelli often being at his most dangerous in central areas.
4-2-3-1
Lastly, Vinicius' creative qualities mean he is more than equipped to operate centrally behind the striker. The reason for this, as illustrated by Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, is to give your best player as much of the ball as possible.
Using Vinicius in such a manner would be particularly beneficial when pace is required through the middle of the pitch, for instance, when preparing to counter opponents.
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However, Arteta is unlikely to deploy him in this fashion, given the Spaniard's inclination towards a midfield capable of dictating the tempo of matches. Martin Odegaard and Eze are his favoured options for this position, though Arsenal typically operate with two No. 8s either side of a holding midfielder rather than a traditional No.10.
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