Arsenal fans dared to dream. The Gunners defied the naysayers in last season, ending Arteta’s trophy drought by claiming a 14th top-flight title (a pensive Arteta statue should be erected any day now).
In all seriousness though, Arteta’s Gunners are in a different transfer bracket than they were five years ago (which was even evident when they wrestled Declan Rice away from the watchful eyes of Pep’s City.). But going for a bona fide Ballon d’Or contender? That is always going to be a stretch for an English club with minimal European pedigree (I know that may hurt some Gunners fans, but it’s true). So, when I heard that they were supposedly in the market for maverick Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr; my Spidey sense started to tingle. Why would the world’s most explosive left-winger leave the world’s biggest football club? I had a feeling that they were going to end with egg on their face and they did, as Vini Jr just put pen to paper on a new lucrative deal.
Feeling Real unhappy
Yes, we all know Los Blancos have been in a slight rut. Kylian Mbappe’s arrival destabilized the club’s pecking order and left Vini Jr feeling detached. Why should a man who has literally won everything for the club be made to feel inferior to someone who couldn’t win the Champions League with Messi and Neymar playing alongside him? I also think Vini was somewhat disenchanted following that racism incident against Benfica (especially when Mourinho was appointed the new Real manager). He just never felt appreciated, at least not in the way that he felt he deserved to be. The Brazilian wanted to become the Spanish giant’s top-earning player. So, he rejected their initial new contract proposal of €20M-€22M, opening the door to Arsenal’s overtures.
Setting the trap?
Arsenal confirmed their interest in signing the winger, stating that they were prepared to upend their entire wage structure to bring a player of his calibre to the club. I want you to forgive me for putting on my conspiratorial hat for a moment. To me, it appears that Vini Jr’s management played an absolute blinder, drumming up interest from another club to strengthen Vini’s position at the negotiating table (a classic bit of backdoor brinksmanship). If his handlers were behind all this interest; they couldn’t have chosen a better club to use as their patsy.
The ideal mark
Arsenal’s recent growth has seen them edge closer to European glory. That has made Arsenal a far more attractive proposition, increasing the likelihood of a major talent like Vini Jr jumping ship. Moreover, the Samba is close to becoming the de facto dance of Arsenal Football Club. Bruno Guimares’ acquisition means there are now four Brazilians at the club, creating a lovely tight-knit network for Vini were he to join (at least in the minds of the Real bigwigs). Also, Arsenal have been crying out for some left-wing reinforcements for years now. Gabby Martinelli is a bit of a one-trick pony while Leandro Trossard has just parted ways with the club. Can you imagine a front three of Vini Jr, Gyokeres and Saka? I’m sure that all these calculations went through Florentino Perez’s head, forcing him and the other Real shot-callers to come back with an improved offer (something around €25 million a year).
Psychological gamesmanship
The whole affair will have also gone a long way to assuaging Vini’s damaged ego. The internet has been ablaze this past week or so, with Arsenal fans worldwide reacting as if they had all personally won the lotto. It was the type of mass outpouring of joy that could warm the cockles of even the most disgruntled footballer’s heart. So, all this Arsenal chatter not only gave Vini a better hand at the bargaining table, but it also stroked the damaged ego that was threatening to leave in the first place. A new, self-assured Vini Jr was suddenly able to accept new, improved terms that still left him as the 2nd highest paid player at the club. Hats off to Vini’s team.
The highest form of flattery
I don’t think Arsenal fans should feel despondent that things turned out the way they did. I see rival fans posting videos on YouTube, mercilessly mocking them for having the audacity to even think Vini Jr was within the realm of possibility. I think Arsenal should feel flattered that agents see them as a legitimate leveraging tool (Real probably wouldn’t have budged on those demands if the rumour mill had Spurs in the running). I just wonder if there was ever a moment where Vini Jr truly saw himself as a prospective gunner. We may never know.
