Arsenal legend Paul Merson has warned the club they may be part of Vinicius Junior’s strategy to secure a new Real Madrid contract. The Brazil star, entering the final year of his deal, has been linked with a move to the Emirates, but Merson insists the Gunners are being played.
What did Merson say?
The former Arsenal midfielder, writing in his Sky Sports column, stated that Vinicius Junior is leveraging interest from Arsenal to push for better terms at the Bernabeu. He urged the club to pursue Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola instead, especially after Leandro Trossard’s departure left a gap on the left wing. Arsenal finished the 2024-25 season in 1st place in the Premier League with 85 points from 26 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses, scoring 71 goals and conceding 27.
Why does Arsenal need a left winger?
With Trossard sold for a minimal fee, Merson believes Arsenal must sign a top-tier replacement to maintain their squad depth. Christos Tzolis arrived from Club Brugge, but Merson argues the Gunners need a proven star like Vinicius or Barcola to compete at the highest level. Their recent form includes a 5-game winning run, with the last result being a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on 24 May 2026.
What’s next for Arsenal?
Merson’s warning highlights the risks of chasing high-profile targets who may not be genuinely interested. The club, leading the Premier League by 7 points last season, must act decisively to avoid being outmaneuvered in the transfer market. A failure to secure Vinicius or Barcola could leave them vulnerable in a critical area of the pitch.
