Reports linking Arsenal with Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Jr have understandably sent supporters into dreamland. While any move remains at an early stage, the possibility has sparked debate over whether the Gunners could realistically finance such a blockbuster transfer.
Dan Smith believes the answer may be simpler than many think…
Do you remember when football journalists claimed to have “breaking transfer news”? It would be to reveal that an offer had been accepted or rejected, or that a player was having a medical.
Now, “breaking news” can simply be telling us how a club is feeling!
Not just content creators, but respected men and women who work in the media with credible sources have realised they can make money by exclusively revealing gossip on their own channels.
So, without meaning to put a pin in everyone’s balloon, once you digest the actual rumours surrounding Arsenal’s interest in Vinícius Jr, you’re not left with much substance.
Essentially, we are being told the Gunners like the player.
Well, I’m sure we all have many things in life we desire, but that’s not the same as it being a realistic possibility.
I feel like, over the last month, all I read or hear is what Andrea Berta plans to do. If the Italian was indecisive about agreeing to Aston Villa’s proposal for Morgan Rogers, it seems unrealistic he would suddenly meet the numbers it would take to turn Vinícius Jr into a Gunner.
I think the Kroenke family would have to step in and oversee negotiations because that’s how big the figures would be. It would be our owners authorising a fresh action plan and approving an increase in the pay structure.
It would be evidence of ambition from the Premier League Champions to strengthen while they have their foot on their rivals’ throats.
It would also be adapting to where football is in 2026.
Why Vinícius could become available
To clarify, it’s not like Real Madrid have tabled an insulting offer to their Brazilian. Reports suggest the 26-year-old wants around £30 million a year.
The attacker has 12 months left on his deal, so both parties face an ultimatum.
If the employer can’t reach a compromise, now is their last opportunity to receive any value for the asset.
The man himself has to ask whether he truly wants to leave Spain.
It’s easy to accuse someone wanting £550,000 a week of being greedy.
Or…
Is he simply the first superstar who’s done his maths and knows exactly what he’s worth?
Because football can’t have it both ways.
Fans were paying thousands to attend the World Cup. Shirts now cost well into three figures, and the transfer market is so inflated that players from relegated clubs can cost £85 million.
Can clubs play friendlies around the globe to make money from their brand and then complain when those on the pitch want a bigger piece of the pie?
Some Gooners often lose sight of this.
Arsenal have a lot of money and generated serious revenue over the last year.
As already mentioned, the idea has been approved at all levels at the Emirates, meaning those in charge of the money clearly believe there is a deal worth exploring.
As a starting point, we would need to match the approximately £400,000 per week he currently earns.
That seems excessive until you remember Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka are reportedly earning figures close to £300,000 a week.
Or if I said the same amount pays for Vieira, Reiss Nelson and Gabriel Jesus…
What would you rather have?
There are other ways to make the deal work
In negotiations, the player will be told he can make more money, just in a different way.
Namely, Arsenal would not necessarily have to adopt the strict approach to image rights that Florentino Pérez is widely reported to favour at Real Madrid.
By being flexible, Arsenal could offer £350,000 a week while allowing the player to retain the majority of his commercial income.
For example, it’s estimated Adidas pays him around £7 million a year to work with the player. That’s just one of several lucrative branding deals.
If Arsenal were prepared to give up any claim to his external commercial empire, the player would receive an automatic multi-million-pound annual increase without the club having to pay an extra penny from their own bank accounts.
Arsenal could increase his take-home income by millions while keeping his basic salary within touching distance of the club’s current top earners.
It seems the kind of deal the Kroenke family won’t do.
Should they?
That comes down to your point of view.
They expect you to pay over the odds for shirts, tickets and subscriptions, so of course they can structure this deal.
Can Arsenal afford Vinícius Jr?
Trust me…
In a heartbeat.
Dan Smith
Do you agree with Dan, Gooners? If Vinícius Jr became genuinely available this summer, should Arsenal break their current wage structure to sign one of the world’s best players, or would that set a dangerous precedent? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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137m? Maybe Martinelli as make weight to reduce this price. Vini’s arrival facilitates Guimares coming. Then juggernaut quadruple invincible will become most used words amongst the fanbase.
Dan,
You say is he the only player who knows his worth. There isn’t a player alive who is worth £500,000 a week, and I don’t care who he is.
Football lost it’s sole long ago, moneywise football is absolutely obscene. And that’s not me being jealous.
That’s me being angry that football has come to this. Just think for a minute how absurd it is that any footballer would think himself worth the kind of money that they get.
I like my football, but I never lose sight of what a truly murky game it is in many ways. Sad, but true.
It’s not something we’re used to in football, and it’s ridiculous money I agree, but it’s driven by market forces. Consider what many top athletes *you’ve never even heard of* in the US earn per week… It will continue to increase if there are no hard caps on transfer fees or salaries implemented across Europe. And the players themselves don’t want that (for obvious reasons).
oh I agree
but is a World ticket worth thousands of pounds ?
Is a short worth over a hundred ?
I more meant if you look at the money being made of course the player will want some of it
soz on my rubbish phone so let’s try that again ….
oh I agree
but is a World Cup ticket worth thousands of pounds ?
Is a shirt worth over a hundred pounds?
I more meant if you look at the money being made of course the player will want some of it
He’s not worth it. He was useless at world cup, and divisive in the squad .
Do not buy him.
He comes with an ego , will Arteta want that has he likes to be the main man ?
Surprised that this as been mentioned cause he Doesn’t fit the “keep in line “players we have signed the last few seasons.
The world class players always come with baggage,I would take him 100% I’m just wondering if this is berta or Arteta wanting this .
Would actually keep Martinelli and put him over the right side and get rid of Madueke who’s been atrocious.
I hope there is little substance to the reports of our interest in this particular footballer who i believe could well be a disruptive influence in a dressing room which is currently strong in terms of unity and is not subject to egotistical problems.While the guy is a very fine player,he does not confirm to the work ethics demanded, quite rightly, by our Manager.At Madrid, he and Mbabbe seem to enjoy superstar status which excludes them from the drudgery of tracking back and pressing.That alone should be sufficient to warn off Arteta from recruiting a player whi,rightly or wrongly,seems to attract controversy ,when on a number of occasions he incites trouble on and off the pitch by his allegations towards opponents.Do we really need a player who may be one of the best in terms of talent but is lacking in other important ways.Apart from the impact on our current wage structure ,which could encourage certain agents to set out to renegotiate the contracts of their clients, do we need to risk the camaraderie which clearly exists at present by bringing in a Galatico?.Personally I hope the “reports” prove to be unfounded.
I think it’s more about Vini Jr renegotiating his contract at RM…
Grandad,
Me and you are on the same page regards this player. I’ve made my feelings clear in more than one post to be fair. 👍
Vini is unlikely to go to Arsenal for several reasons, including the finances.
Arsenal could accommodate him in their setup. It would require adjustments. Undoubtedly, one cannot expect him to be as hardworking as the likes of Martinelli. However, he would be a much bigger threat in attack.
The concerns about ego shouldn’t be as much an issue at Arsenal. It would be a very different type of dressing room.
One of the biggest issues, which I would agree with, is that there would almost inevitably be an impact on the wage structure.
It wouldn’t impact the wage structure like you think
But you can expect him to be better then Martinelli in the final third ?
Didn’t most say Arteta had gone too defensive and now needed to improve the attack ?
Arsenal should get this by all means. There are some signings that immediately change profile of a club. Vini will transform Arsenal’s attack enormously. Bring in Vini, Guimarez & Alvarez and another invincible may be on sight.
It’s not just about money – if I really thought he would make us massively better, be the clear best player (don’t think vini is better in his role than rice, saliba, Gabriel etc are in theirs) and be an overwhelmingly positive influence in the team (like Kvara certainly would), I’d be far more inclined to bend for him. I just don’t see it – this is a very talented winger, better than what we have, but not by so much, but it’s also someone who gets frustrated and complains when things don’t go how they like, a victim.
Most importantly, beyond mere ego, this is someone who employs a large entourage and makes an effort to influence things off the pitch – these players can be extremely disruptive and completely undermine the way the club is run. Not worth the risk at all.
Note how psg sold mbappe (arguably the best forward in the world) and got much, much better, becoming the best club in Europe – imo buying Vini would be like the reverse move for us.
he’s on a different level to what we have
I don’t see it (better than our attackers but not on another level) but that’s opinion. Even if he was (like mbappe certainly is), I still wouldn’t want him for the reasons outlined. Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t want a player of that quality, but if the other parts aren’t right, it’s not worth the risk imo. We’re not a giant like RM who can kind of deal with it.
You’ve deliberately skipped most of what he said about the potential disruptiveness of Vinicius.
I think he’s the same player who ignited the issues that led to Alonso’s sacking at Madrid due to being substituted.
Arteta will not condone that
no because you equally can’t ignore 2 CL and multiple La Ligas
that means it’s also worked
You also can’t ignore the fact that Arsenal is not Real Madrid. Mbappe was extremely disruptive at PSG but less so at Madrid.
I want Vinicius but his consistent controversies are hard to ignore
I’m not getting the relevance of Arsenal are not Real Madrid?
your point is you wouldn’t have him because of his attitude
I’m saying that attitude didn’t stop him from winning things so how bad can it be?
same with Mbappe
You may have noticed that I’m actually on the fence on this guy.
His talent is wanted but the controversies are hard to ignore.
If it were up to me to make a straight decision, I think I’ll take him
Mbappe’s attitude did stop him winning things with PSG (hence they look so great without him) and Madrid
The attitudes of players like mbappe and vinicius led to ancelotti and xabi Alonso failing leaving – yes there was some great successes under ancelotti, but it couldn’t be sustained because of player power and attitudes of players like vinicius.
There’s a difference between players who are good enough to win things when they’re motivated, and great players who lead and help make their teams consistently competitive – I don’t want the former at the club.
well Mbappe did win things at PSG just not the CL
vinicius has won 14 trophies at Real Madrid including 2 CL and multiple La Ligas …. he has been a success
if your going to say they haven’t then don’t ever praise a Saka or Martinelli
I don’t know what you are missing. PSG are the biggest club in France and didn’t win the big trophy with the big name Charlies
Real Madrid are the biggest club in the world and have spent decades at the top so anyone of note will have won trophies there. What Davi rightly imo pointed out was that some of those mega egos were disruptive and only have themselves to blame for weakening the club which has seen the departure of Ancelotti and Alonso and a drop off in success
👍
SueP,
I’m on the same page as you and Grandad. 👍
“well Mbappe did win things at PSG just not the CL”
Well Saka did win the EPL with Arsenal.
Just not the Champions League.
Mbappe won the domestic trophies in a weak league with a comparatively massive club – come on.
Vinicius wasn’t a major player for all of those trophies, but I agree he has had some successes – however, like I said “There’s a difference between players who are good enough to win things when they’re motivated, and great players who lead and help make their teams consistently competitive”. He’s clearly in the former camp imo.
Why don’t you argue the points I made? You often seem to make up what you want to argue against to make it easier for yourself. Imo it comes down to you believing Vini is a great player who would improve any team, and, while I do agree he’s a very good player, I don’t think he’s good enough to be worth dealing with the baggage, especially considering how much we’d have to pay for the privilege.
Dude, with or without Vini, RM is winning!!!
but the argument is his attitude is an issue ?
so which one is it ?
You get the feeling he would much prefer a new Madrid contract.
Really temperamental player, but he’ll score, score and score goals…
Less than 100m you’d take it.
Totally agree Derek that football lost its soul years ago.
I started go to Arsenal in the late 60’s with my mum and dad. Walked round to the stadium and didn’t have to worry about red memberships or ballots. Then there was the introduction of the bond to assist with the improvements to the north bank. This was swiftly followed by a new home and unbelievably wealthy owners from abroad along with the other numerous investors at clubs in the EPL. which has changed the face of English football. So however exciting the prospect of a billionaire buying Arsenal was, it has come with the loss of heritage
That said, Josh Kroenke seemed to appreciate the support from the local area during the parade but his family ownership and the growing investment from tv rights has in a few generations taken a generally locally based support to people who are on every corner of the planet and made multi millionaires out of the best young talents.
Sue out of interest for my own hope …what’s your success rate been with the red ballot ?
I can’t apply for every game but I’ve never had a ticket
My son and my two grandsons got the Wigan FACup game. Along with him and my other son as a group of 3 have never been successful
Not a great return
that’s really poor isn’t it ?
I emailed the club but they just paid me lip service
Part of the problem is that season tickets can be passed down through the generations and not enough get put back into the club. If you got in years ago and at times during a poor run then it’s win win situation. My youngest and his friend thought they bought 3 tickets from an acquaintance only to find that 3 seasons later the bloke wanted them back as Arsenal were becoming more successful. That was a sucker punch
That said, it keeps it more local which is what the essence of supporting your local team is about.
Football lost its soul since Arsenal paid 72m for Pepe or since when?
Since the tv rights became such that the local went out of the equation and became global.
With all due respect your idea needs more explanation, SueP. Foreign owners of English not needed? EPL shouldn’t be broadcast globally?
English clubs
I’m talking about how the club my family has followed since the 1930’s has changed since the mega tv deals. Don’t get me wrong, tv money brought live matches, exciting players but it changed the focus from what was largely a London (or Home Counties) club to what it has become today which encompasses the globe.
The Americanisation of the sport in which no relegation was mooted and matches taking place elsewhere other than England would destroy what is our domestic league. Such shenanigans weren’t popular in other countries apart from by the owners of a few clubs who wanted a piece of the pie. Little consequence is given to heritage but more as a means to make money.
I take the view that if I’m interested enough to want to watch whatever basketball team plays in New York then I should go there rather than expect them to come to us. But then, I’m getting on a bit and life moves on
SueP,
I hear you. The Bond scheme, now there’s a blast from the past. 😂
At EPL Vini won’t be bothered by racial issues week in week out unlike the Liga. His football is exclusively made for EPL. Will have better chance to lifting the ballon d or at Arsenal; there at RM Mbappe is the front runner. Best hot age for a striker at 26. Reel him in as AFC knows better the balance sheet.
racism happens in England as well mate
Yeah comparatively better peeps. When Semenyo experienced once at Anfield Vini had 19 in every away ground
well no racism didn’t just happen at Anfield, happens at allot of stadiums
Yes but not as terrible as La Liga.
In fact, of the top 5 leagues, Serie A is the worst.
In those places, whole sections of fans descend on a person with racist chants and afterwards, their manager and board almost completely deny hearing anything. Who has forgotten how Inter Milan board sided with opposition racist fans against their own player Lukaku.
England is far better than Spain and Italy in terms of protecting players.
Don’t know much about Germany and France though.
disagree dude
I think we don’t like to admit it but England don’t have a zero tolerance
Where in my comment did I say england had a zero tolerance?
“England is far better…” – this is what I wrote.
If you misinterprete whatever I write again, I’ll be suing
😂😂
£££I’m a libel lawyer; you have a good case££££
😂😂
think I’ll be okay lol 😆
🤣
nah disagree that England is far better
I think England is ‘good’ at doing it online than in stands. The penalty missers always experience it online. You’re right no zero tolerance.
Official police data reveals that the total number of football-related hate crimes in England and Wales rose from 421 cases to 491 cases over the past year.
The UKFPU reported that the total number of regulated football matches where generic discriminatory or violent incidents occurred hit an all-time record of 1,644 matches—marking a 4% increase. This is the highest volume recorded since modern tracking began in 2017.
The issue is most don’t want to admit the problem
Hence look how defensive people have got
In many ways …..because one country is or isn’t worse , does that make it okay ?
The reality is if he left Spain to avoid racism he would find it in England
Online and on the pitch
Yeah Dan true; presented with hard facts. Compared to esp those two?
When I read today’s Kick It Out report the overall discrimination figure is segregated into racism, ableism, sexism, homophobia, islamophobia and anti semitism. All can be manifested in a football arena.
dgr thanks for your explanation. My thought as well. Good day!
dgr8xt, not sure about France, but it’s very, very rare for any form of racism in the Bundesliga.
Herr Drier,
How do you assess this situation England v the notorious two mentioned above?
Amba, although there has been instances of racism at games in England, it’s minimal compared to Spain and Italy.
Herr Drier,
Yeah me think so.
Herr Drier,
Yeah me think so. Thanks.
👍
Martinelli must not be sold at any price. He is unique & can’t be replaced. This V junior transfer is not worth it if transfer & salary being quoted are anywhere near that. Arsenal should be able find a decent player for half that price. Actually they need another player on the right as Saka needs at least 6 months to recover
Who is better Martinelli or V Junior?
Both are better but v. Junior is world class player
As much as I’d like to see Arsenal sign him I worry if we splash the cash he could turn into another Robinho at City, a class act until he came to England and was tested in the premier league, he flopped big time.
What’s the honourable Arsene Wenger doing at the most controversial institution FIFA who’s heavily indulged in micro selling the prestigious title The World Cup?
What’s the honourable Arsene Wenger doing at the most controversial institution FIFA who is heavily indulged in micro selling the most prestigious title The World Cup? Hope you don’t answer me ‘footballistically’
money ?
he’s an employee
Most in football turn the other cheek to things they know are not correct ?
Exactly Dan. I never ever thought the prof would ultimately be like this. Thank you mate peeps lol.
why the majority in football are
look at Arteta ?
?
I’m asking why would you be surprised that an employee is not getting involved
Most of football including Mikel Arteta are not making any kind of stand
Your implying Mr Wenger should be doing something to stop FIFA but it’s above his head
That’s like saying what did Arteta do to stop our owners from trying to break away to the Super League?
As long as they are getting well paid it’s not their hill
And that goes on in lots of million pound companies
Very clear now. I was surprised when you mentioned the name of Arteta. Plausible!
Football is a business
All about money
People were paying thousands for the World Cup tickets
Ever questioned who no player came out and said we won’t play unless tickets are reduced ?
Because they benefit
So yeah , don’t put it on one man
I’m conflicted on the subject regarding AW at FIFA. You make a valid point about Arteta but I find myself disapproving more about Wenger. Could be because of his long standing fine reputation Does he, at his age and experience need to be part of the Infantino story?
Depends if you think he is ?
In any million ,/ billion pounds company you will have employees who don’t agree with the employer
Unfortunately most in football have gone along with if for too long
Look at the Qatar World Cup …..how many spoke about the issues beforehand ?
How many still played ?
FIFA are aware of that
So I’m surprised that of all the things wrong with football this is the issue you want someone to step in on ?
Amba raised it and I have an opinion which I gave to your comparison between Arteta’s potential situation at Arsenal versus Wenger and his role at FIFA. He’s hardly a minion and for a man who throughout his time at Arsenal operated as a highly principled man I found seeing him in Infantino’s party in the stands at the World Cup rather incongruous.
I made an observation rather than an outright criticism but you have leapt on it
Not leapt on anything
Just giving my response
He’s a man who has taken a job for money …..period
Yes at Arsenal he acted like a principled man …..who made sure he got well paid while spending Arsenal money like it was his own lol
Arteta isn’t a minion ….why didn’t he resign once the super League was mentioned ?
Messi and Ronaldo are not minions ….why didn’t they refuse to play at the Qatar World Cup ?
Harry Kane isn’t a minion …..why didn’t England walk off the pitch when players were being racially abused ?
You could go on and on …… So my stance is let’s not question one man ….let’s question the whole of football
Because this is an Arsenal site and Amba raised a former Arsenal manager’s situation in FIFA. The state of football as a whole is definitely up for debate, I just felt, as is my right to have an opinion, that with all his worldly experience, I found it odd that Wenger who does hold a very high office in the sport’s governing body should be sitting at the top table with Infantino. Incongruous was my point and it hasn’t changed
neither has mine
why would anyone be surprised that a man who made sure he was financially looked after at Arsenal …..be shocked that he does what everyone else not just in sport but in world would do
make a financial choice for him and his family and not get involved with what the head of the company does ?
And I can bring others up because the topic is equally about FIFA so why do others not take a stand ?
Mr Wenger has zero say on this issue
if he left tomoz it would still be proposed
That’s like a manager in the department of Facebook being expected to have a word with Mark Zuckerberg and quite his million pound job for morality lol
doesn’t happen
I didn’t expect anything different 😊
Yeah if he still is the old Wenger that the world knows, he can cite whatever reason (not to disappoint his bosses) but he should leave by his own accord as Mr Howe did today .
Howe didn’t leave today because of morality lol
If that was the case he would have left the moment Newcastle started soortswashing
Your holding Mr Wenger to standards that you don’t hold to anyone else which is unfair
Mr Wenger is entitled to take a job and isn’t responsible for what is going on elsewhere
Look at football like it is …..a business
Still the old Wenger ?
He would bemoan inflated transfer fees then accept pay rise after pay rise lol
Same with Arteta , don’t see him saying nah don’t make me one of the highest paid manages in the word … Take some of what your offering me and reduce ticket prices ?
This is a business ….people are there to make money
You know Saka ….. Doesn’t wear the shirt out of love……does it for 300-000 pound a week
Why doesn’t he say oh I only need 150-000
Make tickets cheaper ?