Vinicius Jr vs Bayern Munich
Vinicius Jr vs Bayern Munich
While Arsenal are dreaming of signing Vinicius Junior a more realistic attacker who can lead the line for the next decade is staring them right in the face.
The Gunners are exploring a potential deal for Vinicius and have reportedly been in contact with the player's entourage. The Emirates is reportedly deemed a 'compatible destination' for the Real Madrid star should he not agree on a contract extension with the La Liga club.
Vinicius is one of world football's best wingers and enjoyed a meteoric rise after joining Madrid at the age of 16. He is a talisman at the Estadio Bernabeu and many assumed a similar future had been in store for one of his teammates.
Arsenal Should Turn to Vinicius Teammate
REUTERS/Mike Segar
When Endrick arrived in the Spanish capital, his stock was sky-high after impressing in Brazil with Palmeiras. Madrid won the race to sign the then-18-year-old who is the fourth-youngest player to represent his national team.
Fast forward two years and Endrick's future is in doubt having struggled for first-team opportunities at the Bernabeu. He spent the second half of last season on loan at French club Lyon and he got back to his best with eight goals and as many assists in 21 games.
Spanish journalist Alberto Pereiro of Radioestadio Noche reports that Endrick's situation at Madrid has become "very complicated" and "mildly impossible to stay for the 2026-27 season."
That will undoubtedly alert some of Europe's top clubs and Arsenal should be on the case if the La Liga giants are looking to sell. He is one of world football's most exciting youngsters who is clearly facing an uphill battle for a place in Jose Mourinho's team.
While signing a new winger has been a priorty for Arteta, there is a clear need to think about a long-term number nine. Viktor Gyokeres encountered a topsy-turvy start to life at the Emirates and the 28-year-old hasn't managed to nail down a starting berth.
Arsenal were reportedly interested in signing Endrick back in May and made an enquiry over bringing him to North London. It's a much more achievable deal than Vinicius and the other forward they are chasing.
Go For Endrick Over Expensive Alvarez
julian alvarez-1
Julian Alvarez's name keeps coming up as a potential option for the North Londoners, but Atletico Madrid are expected to demand over £100 million for the Argentine forward. Signing Alvarez will jeopardise Gyokeres and Kai Havertz's game time as he'll want to be an undisputed starter.
Endrick, dubbed "spectacular", is still young and can develop into a world-class striker to be the focal point of the Gunners' attack for years to come. He is also versatile, able to play out wide if required, and that will suit Arteta, who needs more options in his frontline.
Chasing Vinicius is admirable and speaks volumes of the Premier League champions' ambition. But a contract extension seems the most likely outcome given his known desire to stay at the Bernabeu and turning to Endrick would be a perfect outcome.
Mikel Arteta Arsenal 2026
Mikel Arteta Arsenal 2026
Endrick is the type of signing that can help Arteta build for the future and continue to dominate English football. While it just hasn't worked out for him at Madrid, a move to the Emirates could be ideal for both the player and the club.