As Arsenal continue in their transfer pursuit of signing Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid, Mikel Arteta's next moves will be pivotal
Vinicius Jr celebrates scoring a goal for Real Madrid
Vinicius Jr's links to Arsenal could become the transfer saga of the summer(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
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Arsenal have backed Real Madrid into a transfer corner with Vinicius Junior - yes, Arsenal!
This simply does not happen. Real have always been the ultimate transfer vulture. "Nobody says no to Real Madrid" is the line parroted every transfer window - except, Mikel Arteta's side are now the ones circling.
Vinicius is forcing Los Blancos' hands. Real are trying to present an image of strength and victory, as if they are holding the cards. The latest reports from Spain have stated Real have offered the Brazilian a take it or leave it contract for the forward, shifting the emphasis onto the 26-year-old's shoulders.
Football.London understands Arsenal will be ready to pounce if Vini Jr turns his nose up at the latest offer from Jose Mourinho's side. It's also understood the Brazilian World Cup star would prefer to remain in the Spanish capital, which is fair enough.
They remain as the biggest club in world football and Madrid is still a world class European city with nicer weather than London and a football season which is not as gruelling as the Premier League.
However, the forward's reluctance to instantly pen a new deal amid a purported feeling he wants to be placed into the same salary bracket as Kylian Mbappe suggests an exit is possible. For years, Vinicius was the jewel in the crown, a goal-scorer in two Champions League final triumphs.
Vinicius Jr and Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho wants to keep Vinicius Jr according to reports(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
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Mbappe's arrival has complicated matters. The Frenchman is a global brand himself who just happens to play in the same position. One nose has to be put out of joint to help the other and neither Xabi Alonso nor Alvaro Arbeloa were able to extract the best out of both at the same time.
At Arsenal, he'll be seen as the final piece of the puzzle, the much-needed dynamite quality Arteta has been craving on the left-hand side. There is a Vini Jr shaped hole on that part of the pitch and Arsenal have to make this abundantly clear to the South American.
A front-line of Vini Jr, Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka would challenge any team in Europe. At Emirates Stadium, Arsenal would not only be able to offer a whopping salary, the Brazilian would likely be able to keep 100 per cent of his image rights, compared to the 50-50 deal split he has in the Spanish capital.
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta knows this is an exciting period for Arsenal(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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The Gunners will have to be patient. Real have made their move with their latest offer, which is believed to be a final one according to Marca. If this does not suffice, Arsenal must be there.
Yan Diomande's imminent arrival at the Bernabeu suggests Real are already prepared for the two-time Champions League winner's exit. For once, the Spaniards do not appear to be in the driving seat in this transfer saga.
In countless transfers, from Cristiano Ronaldo's move in 2009 to Gareth Bale's arrival a few years later, Real Madrid have watched on as clubs desperately offered new contract after new contract to keep their stars away from their grasp only to fail. Now Arsenal are the ones in the distance, holding the door open for one of Real most consequential players in years.
It's new, it's exciting, it's even unusual. A transfer is more than possible. Whatever happens in the transfer saga, it's proven Arsenal are dining at the top table of European football.
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