Arsenal have reportedly lodged an enquiry with Real Madrid over the possibility of signing Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior this summer.
According to a report from Spanish publication Fichajes, Real Madrid are ready to offload Vinicius Junior in the current transfer window and have already fielded an enquiry for his services from Premier League bigwigs Arsenal.
Vinicius arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2018 from Brazilian outlet Flamengo. While the 21-year-old has shown glimpses of his vast potential, he has not been able to deliver the goods on a consistent basis, with his end product in the final third being a letdown more often than not, leading to frustrations among the fans.
Indeed, Vinicius managed a paltry return of just six goals in 49 games across all competitions in 2020/21 and has scored just 14 times in over 110 appearances during his stay at the Spanish capital outfit to date. With Florentino Perez intent on signing Kylian Mbappe this summer, some of the members from the current roster may need to be axed, with Vinicius emerging as the likeliest candidate.
The situation with Real Madrid’s quota of non-EU players makes it tricky for the Brazilian as well, as Los Blancos will need to offload either him or one of compatriots Rodrygo Goes and Eder Militao should Gareth Bale end up staying. And, it is Vinicius who has been chosen as the one to be shown the doors as per the report.
It has even been claimed recently that Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Vinicius Junior, and now Arsenal seem to have entered the fray for the 21-year-old’s signing, with the Gunners having now made an enquiry about his situation with Real Madrid.
Arsenal appear well-stocked in the wide areas as things stand, with Mikel Arteta being able to call upon Bukayo Saka, Nicolas Pepe, Gabriel Martinelli, Willian, while the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can be deployed out on the flanks as well. However, there are some question marks over Willian after his disappointing debut season with the Gunners last time out.
But with Real Madrid valuing Vinicius at around €70-75 million, a move for the Brazilian this summer does not really make sense for Arsenal, especially at a time when they need immediate reinforcements in other areas of the pitch.
However, a loan deal could be an option for the Gunners, who have taken players on a temporary basis from Real Madrid in the recent past. But, whether the Spanish capital club would be open to such an arrangement remains the question.
