Arsenal's reported pursuit of Vinicius Jr this summer has drawn sharp criticism from former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel. The Gunners were linked with a blockbuster move for the Real Madrid star, but the Brazilian ultimately decided to stay at the Bernabeu. Mikel has now mocked Arsenal's ambitions, insisting they're not yet among Europe's elite.
What did John Obi Mikel say?
Mikel, speaking on The Obi One Podcast, dismissed Arsenal's chances of signing Vinicius Jr. He argued that the Gunners' recent Premier League title win doesn't make them a 'big boy' club. Mikel pointed out Arsenal's lack of Champions League success compared to Vinicius Jr's trophy-laden career at Real Madrid.
Why is this significant for Arsenal?
Arsenal, fresh off their first league title in 22 years, are looking to build on that success. They finished the 2025 season with 85 points, 7 points clear of Manchester City, and ended the campaign on a 5-game winning streak. However, Mikel's comments highlight the gap between Arsenal and Europe's elite.
What's next for Arsenal's transfer window?
Despite missing out on Vinicius Jr, Arsenal have made a major signing in Bruno Guimaraes for £75m. They're still in the market for a frontline signing. The Gunners will look to strengthen further ahead of their next fixture against Hull City on 2026-11-07.
