REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura
All signs are pointing towards Arsenal doing everything in their power to sign Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior this summer. David Ornstein reported that the Premier League champions are 'exploring' a possible deal.
The Brazilian is coming off the back of an impressive individual display at the 2026 World Cup, where he netted four goals and registered one assist for the five-time world champions. He's been widely regarded as one of the best players in world football for a long time now.
It'd be one of the biggest signings in Premier League history if Mikel Arteta can convince the 26-year-old to swap the Bernabeu for the Emirates this summer.
Vinicius Junior Praised Another English Giant
via Reuters
In April 2025, Vini Jr was given an up-close experience of the atmosphere produced at the north London stadium. Real Madrid were battered 3-0 by Arsenal and then dumped out of the Champions League with a 2-1 home loss the following week.
The winger played in both matches, scoring in the home leg. That proved to be Los Blancos' only goal in the tie, as he was left powerless in the trip to London. However, a different English stadium appears to have left a lasting mark on him.
Ranking the 25 best stadiums in world football (2025)
Ranking the 25 best stadiums in world football (2025)
When asked to name the best away stadium he's ever played at in the Champions League, Vinicius opted for Liverpool's historic ground, Anfield. He didn't even appear to hesitate as he answered: "Best away stadium to play in the Champions League? I have to say Liverpool [Anfield]."
Those comments came one year after Real Madrid dismantled Jurgen Klopp's Reds at Anfield. The 61,000-capacity ground, renowned for its ferocious atmosphere, was stunned into silence as Los Blancos overturned a two-goal deficit to win 5-2.
Vinicius Jr was central to that comeback victory, netting two goals and running the English giants ragged. Klopp even went as far as describing the Brazilian as 'world-class' after another meeting. The 2022 Champions League final, where Vini scored the only goal.
Mikel Arteta and Vinicius Jr look on in a split image
Mikel Arteta and Vinicius Jr look on in a split image
The German coach said: "He was that night [Champions League final] – with a really young age – didn’t get fazed by the way the game went, how they were not always dominant and stuff like that.
"He was there in the decisive moment, I’m pretty sure that already makes him a Real Madrid legend at a very young age. I hope he’s not fazed by any idiots who say something about him."
Vinicius Junior's Record vs English Clubs
Vinicius Jr vs Man City
Arsenal won't have any worries about whether or not Vinicius can perform against their biggest rivals. He's already emphatically proven he can.
In 26 appearances against English opposition, the winger has scored 10 goals and registered a further 12 assists. That's 22 goal contributions in 26 games.
Manchester City and Liverpool, who happen to be Arsenal's biggest rivals in recent years, have suffered the most at the hands of the Real Madrid superstar. He's managed 10 goal contributions vs Man City and seven in just six games against Liverpool.