RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 5: Vinicius Junior #7 of Brazil looks downfield during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 5, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
ISI Photos via Getty Images
Arsenal needs a new left winger. Mikel Arteta’s team got by rotating between Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on that side of the pitch as the Gunners won the Premier League title for the first time since the Arsene Wenger era last season, but it was still clear that an upgrade is required.
Vinicius Junior might be the best left winger in the world at the moment. The Brazilian is more than proven at the elite level, shining over multiple seasons for Brazil and Real Madrid. He was one of the most reliable attacking figures at the 2026 World Cup. Vinicius is one of the superstars of his generation.
It is therefore understandable that Arsenal is reportedly interested in Vinicius who could be on his way out of Real Madrid this summer. The Spanish giants are close to completing a deal to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig following a breakout World Cup for the Ivorian wide forward.
ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 30: Cote d'Ivoire forera Yan Diomande (#11) dribbles up field during the FIFA World Cup 26 Round of 32 match between Norway and Côte d'Ivoire on June 30, 2026 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
This could see Vinicius pushed out of the Santiago Bernabeu exit door with Arsenal beloved to be leading the pursuit for the 26-year-old. Trossard has departed the Emirates Stadium over the summer and so there is a clear need for the Premier League champions to land a new left winger.
Out of possession, Vinicius might not offer the Gunners much. As an attacking difference-maker, though, the Brazilian would be one of the most impactful players in the Premier League. His signing would be a statement of how far Arsenal has come under the stewardship of Arteta.
It’s been a quiet summer transfer window at the Emirates Stadium so far. Christos Tzolis has arrived from Club Brugge while Piero Hincapie’s move from Bayer Leverkusen has been made permanent. Otherwise, the Premier League champions have the same squad now that they had to finish the 2025/26 season.
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - JULY 20: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on July 20, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
The addition of Vinicius would elevate Arsenal’s forward line to another level. It would also help take some of the pressure off Bukayo Saka on the right wing who until now has been the Gunners’ primary creative force. Vinicius would give Arsenal better balance across the pitch.
Arsenal is also reportedly in the market for a new central midfielder with Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes believed to be the club’s top target for this position. Vinicius, however, would arguably be the most significant signing in Arsenal’s history. The Brazilian could turn the Gunners into a dominant force in English and European soccer.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
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