Arsenal may not be bringing Vinicius Jr to the Emirates Stadium this summer, but it was certainly worth a try and forced Real Madrid into a corner – but what is the Gunners' next move?
Vinicius Junior not joining Arsenal gives pause for thought, but not panic
Vinicius Junior not joining Arsenal gives pause for thought, but not panic(Image: Julian Finney - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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The reaction to Vinicious Junior’s renewal at Real Madrid has sparked reactions that I believe simply are neither fair not well thought out. These typically centre around two camps.
“Vini Jr wasn’t a realistic option!” Or “it was a long shot anyway…”
I know a lot of it is perhaps some self-therapy if you like, and trying to come to terms with missing out on one of the biggest stars who could have been brilliant. However, that’s not the case from how I’ve both covered this story, nor how I have understood this to have played out.
These points of view, in my opinion, do a disservice to Arsenal in this pursuit. Arsenal’s presence and determination to be a valid option for one of the world’s best players made Real Madrid fold on a position they held incredibly strongly, which was to not up their offer.
There was even confidence growing until Real Madrid completely changed their position, folded and offered better terms. That happened because of Arsenal.
Some might say Arsenal were “used” to get a better deal, but speaking honestly, from having conversations with sources among those close to the situation, that is not the sense I have got from this at all. It is circumstantial and not tangible.
The Gunners are at the top table for players, but they won’t be fooled into overpaying silly money for stars in their view. They were right not to pay £117million for Morgan Rogers, but perhaps had they moved earlier, they could have got him for a more palatable fee; we will never know.
Arsenal were right to go for it for Vini Jr. I just hope they now do not panic like some supporters, in my view, are and now overpay for a player that is not good enough, secure enough or worth it.
Arsenal need to be sensible. Their current options of Christos Tzolis, Gabriel Martinelli and Eberechi Eze are definitely good, while not world-class – but who is?
Bradley Barcola is incredibly overpriced for a player not much better than what Arsenal have, with all the same problems in terms of final ball and finishing. Nico Williams has persistent injury problems, huge wages and a big transfer fee.
Kenan Yildiz is considered untouchable by Juventus. Iliman Ndiaye is a good player, but are we really saying that the top forward Arsenal should sign this summer is, with all due respect, Ndiaye?
Antonio Nusa will cost a big RB Leipzig-level fee and already failed a medical, which raises red flags. Mika Godts is on his way to PSG, it seems, and Kerim Alajbegovic has gone to Juve.
Marcus Rashford got more goal contributions, 28, than any Arsenal player last season. But like Ndiaye, are we really saying that Rashford is the player?
Arsenal’s attack is definitely stronger this season already, despite what some might have you believe. Kai Havertz is fully fit, Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke are now in their second seasons.
Bukayo Saka looked very sharp for England and admitted he is now fit, as did Thomas Tuchel. I like Christos Tzolis, who replaces Leandro Trossard, who had some massive moments last season but overall struggled to be effective for much of the campaign.
Bruno Guimaraes definitely improves the goalscoring potential of the midfield and the service to the forward players. Eberechi Eze is easily forgotten about, but he is a real option, even for the left-hand side.
Martin Odegaard had a great summer tournament, and hopefully can star physically, where last season he was let down by multiple fitness issues.
Julian Alvarez might be that player, but it will take some major sweet-talking from Mikel Arteta and a huge sum of money to do that deal. For a player who is not a left winger, too… which we all agree is the problem area, right?
Sometimes, making no decision is better than making the wrong one… no matter how disappointing that might be. I sincerely hope Andrea Berta has a plan, but right now, it is not obvious to me.