Former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld has told Arsenal to resist the temptation to sign Vinicius Junior and to make a move for another La Liga star instead.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with the Real Madrid winger in recent weeks, with Mikel Arteta said to be determined to sign Vinicius as the Premier League champions look to bolster the left-hand side of their attack.
The 26-year-old, who is out of contract at the Bernabeu next summer, has been in contract negotiations with the club over the past 18 months but has yet to put pen to paper over a new deal.
The contractual impasse has created the genuine possibility that Vinicius could leave Madrid this summer, with Arsenal primed to pounce should the stalemate continue.
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But instead of pursuing a move for the Brazilian superstar, Alderweireld has urged Arsenal to consider a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez instead.
The Argentine scored 20 goals for Diego Simeone’s side last season, but it is his all-round play which has seen Alvarez establish himself as one of the most sought-after forwards in the game.
‘Who is the player to take Arsenal to the next level? For me, it would be Alvarez over Vinicius Junior,’ Alderweireld told Hajper.
‘I am a big fan of Alvarez. Arsenal have Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz but sometimes I feel they need more quality up front, and Alvarez is an unbelievable striker with a big work rate too.’
Alderweireld also believes that Vinicius would need to change his mentality should he end up in north London, pointing out that life in English football is very different to playing in Spain.
‘I think Vinicius Junior has the quality to adapt to the Premier League but his behaviour needs to change. You don’t get the Spanish treatment in England. People will get on top of him. That’s the way it is.
‘That’s the Premier League. Big centre-backs. Strong full-backs. If they are playing against a good guy, they are going to be putting the pressure on and that’s what is going to be different for him.
‘Can he deal with it like Eden Hazard did? Vinicius Junior has the talent. He’s quick. He’s very, very direct. I think if he joins Arsenal it will be a good thing for the Premier League because it brings so much excitement and everything else but he will have to understand that the Premier League is not La Liga.’
Arsenal have already refreshed their options on the left wing this summer, with Greek international Christos Tzolis arriving from Genk for £34m and Leandro Trossard departing for Besiktas.
And Alderweireld is convinced the 24-year-old has what it takes to be a success at the Emirates, regardless of whether Vinicius arrives or not.
Who should Arsenal sign?
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Vinicius Junior
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Julian Alvarez
‘Don’t forget, they have already signed Tzolis. I know he comes from the Belgian league but he is already a good player,’ Alderweireld said.
‘He’s very direct and strong with big legs and he can handle the physical duels of the Premier League. He can go left or right, he’s good at shooting and has already proven himself in the Champions League on the very biggest stage. I think they have already bought a very good player there to play down the left.
‘Trossard has been a good player for Arsenal because he was very creative and dangerous around the box but Tzolis is strong and quick, and will be more dynamic in the Premier League. I think this role will suit Tzolis a lot better than it did Trossard.’