Six years is a long time in football, with Arsenal demonstrating just how quickly things can change in your favour during such a period of time.
2020 saw the Gunners struggling for form in the Premier League after Mikel Arteta’s appointment, which saw many iconic memes emerge from numerous fan accounts.
Many supporters were calling for the Spaniard to be sacked, but sticking with him proved to be the right decision – as he finally ended the club’s 22-year wait for a league title last time around.
He’s undoubtedly exceeded all expectations at the Emirates, but he now has exciting ambitions of making the club a European powerhouse in the years ahead.
Why Vinicius Junior could be the missing piece for Arsenal
Arsenal have entered the summer transfer window with ambitions of taking the senior squad to the next level – as seen with the move to land Real Madrid star, Vinícius Júnior.
Talks have been ongoing for the Brazilian international, with the Spanish giants frantically trying to avoid losing one of their star attackers this window.
The 26-year-old only has one year left on his deal at the Bernabeu, which has only increased the Gunners’ chances of landing the forward before the market closes.
Any deal would be an expensive one for Arteta’s men, but it would offer the final piece of his puzzle which has troubled him over the last couple of months.
Most LaLiga G+As for Real Madrid (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
Player | Tally |
Kylian Mbappe | 30 |
Vinicius Junior | 21 |
Arda Guler | 13 |
Federico Valverde | 13 |
Jude Bellingham | 10 |
Gonzalo Garcia | 7 |
Brahim Diaz | 7 |
Álvaro Carreras | 5 |
The recruitment drive has even seen serious reinforcements arrive in North London over recent seasons, but the left-wing department is one that is still in need of improvement this summer.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, last season’s options in such a department, only managed to find the net seven times between them in the Premier League throughout.
However, Vinicius’ tally of 23 goals across all competitions showcased his ability to find the back of the net with ease – which could see him end the hierarchy’s ongoing pursuit for forward additions.
How Arsenal could land a young Vinicius Junior this summer
Despite all of the Gunners’ efforts being directed into a move for Vinicius this summer, other targets have emerged on their shortlist over the last couple of weeks.
PSG forward Bradley Barcola is just one player who has been touted with a move to the Emirates, with the attacker himself opening doors to a move to North London.
However, he’s not the only young attacker in their sights, with Juventus star Kenan Yildiz another name which refuses to go away ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has provided the latest on such a move, claiming: “Arsenal already made an approach for him long before the Vinicius transfer saga.
“Back in April and May, they were starting to make some enquiries there and he is a player they appreciate. Given the new contract, it would be astronomical money.”
The Turkish talent is a player who has constantly been on the Gunners’ radar, and for good reason – as he’s a player who has constantly delivered in Serie A.
The 21-year-old’s stats from last season certainly make for good reading and showcase why he could be a younger version of the Real Madrid star for Arteta’s men.
Yildiz created an impressive tally of 2.4 chances created per 90 last campaign – a tally which was higher than that of the Real Madrid talent throughout 2025/26.
The aforementioned figure placed him in the top 15% of all attackers in Europe, subsequently highlighting his phenomenal ability to create danger in forward areas.
He also managed to complete an impressive tally of 2.5 successful dribbles per 90 – a figure also higher than the Brazilian – further demonstrating his quality within the final third.
Yildiz may have registered six fewer goals than the Madrid star last season, but he did reach double figures for goals – something which the club’s options last season were unable to do.
From his aforementioned figures, it’s hard to disagree that’s among the brightest young talents in Europe, with the Turkish star a player who will only improve with added experience at the top level.
Vinicius will no doubt be many of the supporters’ main transfer target this summer, but a deal for Yildiz could prove to be an excellent alternative for the Gunners.
It’s unclear how much a deal would cost at present, but their continued interest is evidence that Arteta sees the youngster as a player who can succeed in North London.
