Mikel Arteta has ‘taken charge of the operation’ to sign Vinicius Junior and sent a private message to the Real Madrid star about a move to Arsenal, according to reports in Spain.
Arsenal have launched a stunning move to sign Real Madrid and Brazil icon Vinicius, who is widely considered one of the best players of his generation.
The 26-year-old has spent eight hugely successful years at the Bernabeu, winning three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies.
Vinicius is being linked with a move away from the Spanish giants as he enters the final year of his contract, with Real Madrid understandably wary of losing a superstar player for free.
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As a result Madrid will consider offers for Vinicius is they fail to tie the Brazilian down to a new deal.
Arsenal are ready to pounce and bolster their title-winning squad with one of the best and most exciting players on the planet, with Arteta personally driving the move.
Spanish outlet AS say Arteta has ‘taken charge of the operation’ and told Vinicius his team will ‘largely’ be built around him if he arrives at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta has ensured Vinicius is aware how valued he will be in north London and made it clear he wants Arsenal to dominate not only the Premier League but in Europe over the next few years.
Vinicius’ preference, however, is still to stay at Real Madrid, but the two parties are believed to be some way apart in regards to terms over a new contract.
While and Arteta is determined to bring Vinicius to Arsenal, Gunners legend Paul Merson doubts the move will materialise and fears his former club are being ‘played’.
‘Vinicius Junior is just looking for a new contract at Real Madrid. He’s playing Arsenal,’ Merson told Sky Sports.
‘But this is where Arsenal are now. This is the market they’re in. Arsenal are looking to buy someone from Real Madrid, one of the top players.
‘It just shows you where Arsenal are in the market. It’s a big worry for all the other teams in the league, in my opinion.
‘If Arsenal don’t get Vinicius, then they have to get Bradley Barcola. They have to get a left winger in, especially now Leandro Trossard has left.
‘They left themselves very short in that position. And if Arsenal don’t get Vinicius or Barcola, then it’s a major worry. For them to let Trossard go is not good business in my opinion – not for what you’re selling.
‘He went for literally nothing. I can’t believe that half the Premier League weren’t after Trossard. He played in all the big games for Arsenal last season and he’s a brilliant footballer.
‘There are a lot of good players but not a lot of good footballers out there. He came under that second category.’
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